Book 8: Chapter 5: I_The Wandering Inn

Book 8: Chapter 5: I

 (Trigger Warning. Click here for details.)

 Wall Lord Ilvriss copsed during a routine inspection of Mining Shaft #4 currently in the possession of the Gemscale family of Szsar.

 It was, to all present, sudden. One second he was upright, frowning over the adamantine ore recently discovered in this valuable seam. He put a w to his head, as if with a sudden migraine and then just folded up.

 One of the Gnoll [Foremen] caught him before he fell over. The next second there was chaos. Half the people present went running for a [Healer] or grabbed emergency potionstried to drag Ilvriss to a safe ce.

 Within minutes, there was a crowd as all work halted. And rumor shot through the city faster than someone could run. People were saying that there was gas in the mining shaftor that Ilvriss had been poisoned.

 Shriekde, the Named Adventurer currently employed by Ilvriss, didnt make things any better. She materialized as if springing from a shadow, and drew her enchanted daggers on the Gnoll trying to check for Ilvriss pulse.

 Until a [Healer] arrived from the Gemscale family and another new adjutant, Captain Shieldscale formerly of Pass, no one could so much as touch Ilvriss. Shriekde refused to let even a potion touch him.

 Wall Lord Ilvriss came around barely ten minutester to the hugemotion. The [Healer] didnt detect either poison or malign magic, but she administered a healing-stamina tonic and he was back on his feet within a minute despite the offers to bear him by litter to the Gemscale family tower.

 I will ept a pnquin when Ive lost a leg, Foreman Graer, thank you.

 The Wall Lords words, and the incident, were all the talk in Szsar for the rest of the day. Ilvriss himself arrived at the most reputable [Healer] in Szsar within thirty minutes, taking the time to reassure people he was well and walk at a measured pace.

 It didnt end there, of course.

 It never did.

 -

 Extreme stress and fatigue. When did youst get a full nights sleep, Wall Lord?

 The [Renowned Tincturist], Me Topaz, removed her Spectacles of Identification and put them securely in the padded case. She took a seat as the Wall Lord sat up.

 You must be joking, Healer Me.

 She frowned at him as she went around her cabs, removing a little paper envelope and slipping some bright, transparent purple pills into it.

 I never do when ites to medicine, Wall Lord. Stress. Fatigue. Ive seen it before. Your father never had it, but your grandfather did and countless Wall Lords and Ladies have suffered from the same. Stress, overworkI wouldnt have expected you toe down with it. Normally it manifests when apany is failing. And its rarer among younger males of any species, but I am not wrong.

 The purple-scaled Drake took a minute to sit there and process it. He couldnt believe it. Stress? Of all the things

 It was both ignoble and embarrassing. He didnt even remember fainting, just feeling weak for a moment and then

 Youre quite sure?

 Absolutely, Wall Lord.

 Its not poison gas? Lack of oxygen? It gets harder to breathe sometimes in the mining shafts

 The old Drake, who had greying scales but a remarkably healthy body for her age of 80+, sighed. She could have passed for someone twenty years younger, a product of Skills, no doubt.

 If youd like me to say so, Wall Lord, I will. This is of course confidential, but the city does like to gossip

 No. No, Healer Me. Thank you for the consideration, but no.

 Wall Lord Ilvriss had to struggle for a second before saying that. He was tempted to say yes, but understood in a moment that trying to cover the real reason for his fainting was a pointless endeavor that would probably backfire in time.

 Stress. He stared at himself in therge mirror, which was an antique artifact used to diagnose patients. Me had used Spectacles of Identification for bad spells, her own Skills and knowledge, and a Mirror of Wellness to confirm.

 The Mirror showed Ilvriss as he was, but also a faint fugue about him, dark, like fog. If he had been sick or poisoned, it would have marked parts of him beset by his ailments.

 It was a wonderful relic for a [Healer] of her level and reputation. Ilvriss wondered if it could show whether you were alive or not. Then againa good spy would never let themselves be taken to a [Healer] of Mes standing.

 Unless she was undead. But that was another Waisrabbit hole you could get stuck downespecially since the damned animals tended to copse their burrows such that only a teleporting creature could hop from section to section.

 What, Healer Me?

 How long since you had a good nights sleep, Wall Lord?

 The Drake woman repeated herself patiently. Ilvriss frowned.

 I slept every day this week.

 For how long?

 SFThree hoursst night. But I took breaks throughout the day.

 He admitted reluctantly. Me raised an eyebrow.

 And the rest of the week? Simr? You know stamina potions do not rece sleep, Wall Lord? And unless you were sleeping under the effects of a Skill, that seems too low, even for [Twofold Rest].

 Ilvriss rubbed at his face. He had not been using Skills. It sounded bad when you said it outright, too. Glumly, he looked at the other Drake, with her faded rose-grey scales.

 I suppose the only cure is?

 Rest, of course. Here are pills for two weeks. Take themsleep at least eight hours each night. They should keep you down and out.

 He epted the envelope and sighed.

 I will, Healer. Its just that

 She pointedly folded her arms and Ilvriss hesitated. Of course, he was a Wall Lord, one of the richest families in Szsar and the ruling ss, since Szsar was made up of only the Walled Families and had no higher power.

 And Me, despite being a [Healer], was a citizen. However, she had also tended to his family since he was a squalling Drake baby and you did not simply talk back to her.

 We all must rest, Wall Lord. I cant do more than give you pillsalthough that will keep you restedbut there are ways to relieve stress or anxiety besides Calming TonicsI can make up a list if youd like.

 She waited. Ilvriss shook his head after a moment and forced a smile.

 That wont be necessary, Healer. I know the root of myweakness. I will deal with it and get proper rest, thank you.

 She saw him off. No one spoke of payment; shed bill his family.

 There was a crowd outside, but Captain Shieldscale, or Osthia ckwing as he knew her, had a carriage drawn.

 To your tower, Wall Lord?

 Yes, Captain. Thank you.

 He nodded at her; the bright blue-scaled Drake was more than capable after a few months in Szsar. He noted a shadow detach herself from the clinic.

 Shriekde. The observers drew back slightly as the nk-faced Named Adventurer walked forwards.

 They were an oddparison. Wall Lord Ilvriss was a handsome Drake, one of the most eligible bachelors in the city, even if hed never really been a target for seduction ofte, but still, tall, lean, and thought of as an example for the modern Drake to emte. His corporation of the Gemscale family was flourishing, he could and had led armies, and was thus good at both economy and war, the two things Szsar prized.

 He had royal purple scales crossed with dark red, and while not being Oldblood, was fairly ideal in most ways.

 On the other w? Shriekde was shorter, and had more scars than you could count on the visible parts of her body. She was a Named Adventurer and thus famousbut she herself was infamous for being uncontroble,pletely mercenary, willing to switch employers for better pay, and essentially being a walking weapon you pointed at monsters or your enemies.

 Tessa. Is that you?

 Healer Me stopped in the doorway of her clinic. Shriekde paused a moment in climbing into the carriage.

 Hello, Healer Me. I am Tessa.

 Her voice was inflectionless. So much so it made some of the Drakes and Gnolls watching shudder. But Me just looked concerned.

 Youve taken too many potions again. When did youste in for a checkup?

 Five months ago.

 Why dont you stop by tonight?

 I am employed.

 ShriekAdventurer Tessa. I believe Healer Me should do a routine checkup. I will send her by tonight, Healer.

 Thank you, Wall Lord.

 Shriekde didnt react as she climbed into the carriage. Ilvriss sat as Captain Shieldscale ordered the driver to get the carriage moving. Theyd have to climb the tower on foot, but this separated them from the gossip and crowd for a moment.

 He sat, Shriekde sitting across from him, and felt the prickle on his scales even now. Here was danger. Danger under his employ, but stillShriekde was a supetive de expert. He had seen her fight.

 You know Healer Me and make use of her services, Adventurer Tessa?

 She nodded, once, looking at him then scanning the area for threats, even in the carriage. Shieldscale was riding with the driver.

 She has attempted to treat me. I do not go to her anymore. She cannot help me.

 I see.

 The female Drake did not respond further. Ilvriss sat back.

 He was aware Shriekdeor Tessa, her infrequently used actual namewas notwell. Well, it was obvious. When she was not stone-faced and impassive, obeying orders with perfect detachment and disinterest, she was moody, dangerous, and nigh-uncontroble. Her contract actually stipted Ilvriss provide or pay for numerous Calming Tonics, Draughts of Serenity, Scrolls of nk Mind, and so on.

 But she then took too many and becamethis. Well, Ilvriss preferred that to the female Drake who might stab her employer as she had done on six asions, but neither was ideal.

 He cleared his throat for a topic of conversation.

 Your remuneration, Shriekde

 My what?

 Your pay. I assume it will go straight to the Healer of Tenbault?

 Shriekde considered this and nodded.

 Yes. I will go to her soon. When I have enough money. She will make mebetter.

 A note of some actual emotion flickered in her voice at this. Longing. Ilvriss nodded.

 It was all public knowledge to anyone who would ever hire her. Shriekde charged extortionate fees, but she was afraid of nothing. And when she had saved up a small fortune, she visited the Healer of Tenbault, in the north.

 TheHealer. She seems to cure what ails you, Adventurer. But not permanently.

 No. But she makes me all better.

 May I ask how long this treatmentsts?

 Months. Less.

 Shriekde looked past him, ufortable for once. Ilvriss nodded. Something the Healer could do fixed Shriekde, but not permanently.

 Well, it was not his business so he rode in silence, letting himself think of his copse. An embarrassment. Shriekde was content with the silence. He was paying her fees.

 If Ilvriss had one talent in this world, it was not his acumen with a de. Shriekde could be said to have a talent with the de, and if she was talented, everyone else was a clod ying with magical sticks.

 Simrly, Ilvriss was not a strategic genius, an inspiring [General], nor political master, which all ran together sometimes. He could do all of these things, but it wasnt where he stood out above all others.

 If he had one talent, it was making money. His power was the ability to fork over more gold than you could make in a lifetime. And to be fair, that was a pretty great power.

 Except if you were fighting the Necromancer of Izril in secret. Except if you remembered that gold, money, is an indirect way of applying influence. Power is the knife in your ws.

 In that sense, Shriekde was entirely more powerful than Ilvriss. Take away her armor and gear, and she was still deadly. He couldnt even carry all his gold around, not even with the best bags of holding.

 It had never really bothered him before. Money paid for lessons, armies, bodyguards, artifacts! However, he was keenly aware of it now, where every passing person might be the Necromancers agents.

 Wherehe closed his eyes and his head rested against the back of the carriage. He was tired. He hadnt realized it until hed passed out.

 It wasnt as if the world had imploded. It had already done that. It was justhed forgotten, that was all.

 He had met Zel Shivertail, hated the Drake, thought all the rumors about him were true. A disgrace of a former war hero. Then he had learned to respect both the Tidebreakers personal battle prowess and him as a person.

 Then he had died. And like himIlvriss had made the same mistake twice.

 He had thought, believed in the myth of Erin Solstice. And there was something to believe. But neither she nor Zel were immortal.

 They died. Good people he counted on died, and it felt like Ilvriss personal tower, like the many rising, vast skyscrapers of the mountain-city, the Walled City of Szsarit felt like each time they died, another support was lost.

 Zel Shivertail.

 Erin Solstice.

 Periss Veldant.

 -

 Wall Lady Navine Gemscale, younger sister of Ilvriss, found herself in rarepany as she paced in the Gemscale family residence at the top of their tower.

 That was to say, she stood with both Zail and Helessia, her father and mother, present. They rarely met.

 Both were old. And both wereassisted. Although it was interesting to see in which way they chose to rely on help.

 Zail had hired help, loyal Gemscale Drakes who helped him when he was lost, guarded himuntil he escaped them. Also, artifacts.

 He stood tall, but wounds and age had worn at him. There was a huge scar on his chest that his clothes only partly hid. On his head, more noticeable, an indentation practically devoid of scales. A ce where he had been struck in battle that had never quite healed.

 Helessia on the other hand was physically unmarkedsave by sickness that kept her bedridden. Her bed actually floated, and it had been escorted here. Simrly, she had her own attendants, mostly who helped administer medicines.

 Time had driven the couple apart, and there was a definite split in the Gemscale family. There had been for a long time.

 Navine controlled her ownpany, less sessful than the main Gemscale holdings, but profitable. Liberal, just as her policies were, or so her detractors imed. She and Helessia were in a pro-Human movementwhich was to say they opposed continual war with Humans. That was pro-Human sentiments among the Drakes, as extreme as you got.

 Zail on the other hand was a traditionalist who believed in the power of Szsar. And until recently, Ilvriss had been a loyal follower of his fathers ideals.

 Wellhe still probably was. Navine did not get along with Ilvriss, even if he was less grating than before. His sojourn abroad had changed him more than any of his other military expeditions or trips.

 She was here, though. Because they were family despite it all and Drakes stuck together. Sheshed her tail as her two parents made small talk.

 Poison in the mines. It must be. Good Wall Lords have died to that before. He shouldnt go in person. No need.

 Zail was talking, having repeated himself twice in thest twenty minutes. Helessia sighed.

 The mines should be safe, Zail. I wonder what it is. Captain Shieldscale said he is on his way.

 Who?

 His new assistant, Zail. Hes introduced you before.

 A moment of confusionthen guiltcrossed Zails face.

 Of course I recall her.

 Navine wondered if Ilvriss was bedding this new Drake. It fit his old ways; she knew about his rtionship with thete Periss, his second-inmand. But she somehow doubted it. Shieldscale and Ilvriss were toofamiliar, if that made sense. Familiar, and yet not intimate.

 Another mystery of why hed bother scouting a Passian [Captain] anyways. She wasnt high-level, just decent.

 Besides which, Navine had thought shed known why Ilvriss had changed. It came down to Liscor. And the reason for his copse? The same.

 Humans. It was always Humans, one way or the other. Even soNavine wouldnt have believed it. But it fit. And as Ilvriss strode into the apartments and stopped as he saw his entire immediate family present, she solidified that hint in her mind.

 Stress?

 Helessia looked appalled. Zail, horrified. To him, there could be nothing more embarrassing than being brought low by something as weak as stress.

 It was a bad disy, father, mother. I will make another inspection, tour the mines and thank them for their help.

 Tomorrow. You must rest if stress has eaten you up.

 Helessia insisted. Ilvriss nodded. Zail peered at Ilvriss.

 Lack of sleep did this?

 A week or two of it, father. Irecalled that Id barely slept more than three or four hours the entire week.

 Helessia made a dismayed sound. Zail blinked a few times.

 You were never insomniac. Is it

 He caught himself. Navine nodded and poured some wine for herself.

 Ancestors. She hadnt believed it. But he really had fallen for a female Human in Liscor. Given her his ring and everything! He kept iming it was a gesture of respect, not romantic bonds, but everyone knew the modern customs.

 And moreshe knew the Human was dead. She even knew her name, now.

 Erin Solstice. An [Innkeeper]. Ilvriss kept talking to his family, ncing at her, but she only told him shed been concerned. He thanked her, stiffly. And they went on with their lives.

 -

 It was not as if Erin Solstice alone hadid the Wall Lord low. Indeed, weeks had passed since the news of her death. A Summer Solstice that had brought tragedy even to Szsar

 A hundred and twelve miscarriages. People were wearing white armbands, still. Szsar had joined the Drakes of Izril in sending more aid, more reinforcements to Rhir. And more toe. But they were debating that.

 Ilvriss had been working, before and after the news came. And it had not been him throwing himself into his work either that did it.

 But he was burning his candle at all ends, including the middle. He worked for almost all of his day when not exercising, eating, or, increasingly seldom, sleeping.

 He worked in hispany with Alrric, his Gnoll [Administrator], making sure they were making a profit. Then he visited his secret task force authorized by Szsar, training new [Soldiers], equipping them in secret.

 And thenunbeknownst to all, he would join Osthia ckwing in poring over records, details, trying to track suspicious payments, links to Regrika ckpaw or a certain locationlooking into mysterious absences or strange breaks in other important Drakes past lives over thest two decadesor more!

 Some time in between all of this, and his frequent conversations with his father, Zail, or entertaining his closest friends, Ilvriss would find time to fit in sword practice, or do research into other cities battle tactics. Historical records and stories about wars with undead of old.

 He had done this since he hade back. Work, work, and for a change, intense work. And perhaps that had been taking its invisible toll the entire time.

 But it seemed more to those that knew Ilvriss that the news of two weeks ago had simplyremoved something that had been keeping it all from overwhelming him.

 Hope, perhaps.

 -

 Wall Lord Ilvriss took a purple pill early in the night, after assuring his family he was well, sending word to Alrric to pass out some puffers or a good vintage to the mining crew hed been with as an apology, reschedule all his appointments, send word to his well-wishers and friends

 He sat in his bed, popped the pill Healer Me had given into his mouth, put his head back

 And woke up with the sun shining down on his face.

 What did she give me?

 The Wall Lord blinked and struggled out of his bed. He feltwell, a bit more alive, but groggy, as his body began to protest getting more sleep than it was used to.

 Wall Lord? Do you wish breakfast? Its two hours past your usual time

 One of the employed Drakesnot servants, Drakes were particr about thatgreeted Ilvriss as he strode out of his room in some robes. He rubbed at his face.

 Yes, thank you. Ill take it in the dining room. And please send Captain Shieldscale to metell Master Zelir I will be dyed, with apologies.

 Of course, Wall Lord.

 He had a speedy breakfast of Solin Chopa rather fancy take on a ssic dish. Wherein you took a tomato, arge one, in this case a Veil Tomato from Noelictus, chewier, more sulent, and hollowed it. You re-filled it with, well, a meat and/or grain mixture. Gave it the obvious spice and toppings, which could be cheese, a gravy in this case, and surrounded it with appetizers.

 It was a good meal and Ilvriss sped through it, despite the hard work of the [Chef] his family employed.

 Osthia appeared halfway through the meal.

 Wall Lord.

 She bowed, although Ilvriss had told her in private to drop the need for formalities. But the staff were hovering; no doubt worried about him. So he greeted her in their coded pance which was second nature by now.

 Captain Shieldscale. Anything to report today?

 Nothing of note, sir. Although we were going to speak on Gemscales standing forces. If youd like to dy that

 No, Ill meet you in the evening. Thank you, Captain. Ill leave you to your duties until then.

 She nodded as Ilvriss sighed. Nothing of note meant she hadnt uncovered another potential spy by the Necromanceror identified someone they had to get on the secret task forces side. She also looked for artifacts, through the histories, just like he did.

 Excellent breakfast. My apologies for the rush, but I must be about my day. Ill take my lunch while working. Please tell my father I might not have time to meet today.

 Of course, sir.

 They nodded to him and he left. The Wall Lord strode out of his tower and across the interconnected bridges that crisscrossed the spires of Szsar.

 Built into the mountain. Built out of the mountain, where the Drakes and Gnolls dug and added to the city constantly. Szsar, founded on the richest gem and mineral seam in the world. And Ilvriss, at the top of the world.

 He descended to a lower point as the tower widened. Sky-terraces weremon, and each spire contained the upper sses; the bottom of the city was manufacturing, public residences, and so on.

 The training court was about eighty feet down, and he took a side staircase to avoid people asking if he was well. No doubt gossip would have him repeating the events and assuring people all week.

 Not that the Drake he was going to visit didnt bring it up.

 Stress, eh? I told you to rest, Ilvriss!

 Master-Trainer Zelir, a high-level [Weapon Trainer], struck at Ilvriss cautiously to test him. Ilvriss parried and riposted.

 You did, Master Zelir. I should have taken your advice. Thank you for waiting.

 Ah, well. My best student says he wants to improve? What am I to do?

 The Drake was old. Not as old as Me, but Ilvriss was noting how many pivotal Drakes in his life were old.

 The ones who were younger were dead.

 His de faltered and the other Drake flicked his sword through the gap. Ilvriss leaned back, with a curse. The tip caught his practice armor.

 Sloppy. If I was carrying an enchanted de, youd be bleeding. And if I was a [Duelist], that would be enchanted with Evercut and poison. So I walk away andyoure dead.

 Zelir demonstrated, stepping back and spreading his arm and training sword. Ilvriss sighed, and nodded.

 My attentionscking.

 Well, you did copse. The body cant just recover in a day. But we train to fight at our worst. Soconcentrate!

 Zelir was a mix of encouraging and stern. He had been Ilvriss weapon instructor since the Drake was a boy. Zail had hired him and the old mentor had been the one to make Ilvriss a fine duelist.

 Among the Drake nobility. But Ilvriss had brought his trusted Coldedge Longsword to a duel with Zel Shivertail and the [General] had taken him to pieces without his elite escort.

 Fair was fairthat was a Drake war hero, but Ilvriss recounted the moment to Zelir during a break.

 Did I ever tell you how Zel Shivertail beat me in our battle, Master Zelir?

 The old Drakes eyes sparked with interest. He wasnt too oldpared to Ilvriss; he had about ten or fifteen years at most, and his Skills kept him fresh.

 Tell me. You kept your guard up, I hope? Wasnt over in a sh? Im told he just charges in and has most enemies to rights in seconds. His ws

 Yes. He used both, obviously, so it was me keeping him back and trying to score decisive strikes while he blocked and kept closing. He didnt chargenot after the first encounter. He actually parried a lot of my blows.

 Really?

 Zelir had always been a fan of Zel Shivertail, not least because they had the same name root. He leaned on his practice sword as Ilvriss demonstrated.

 Well, he knew my sword was leeching his strength with every cut. Frost and Torpor enchantments.

 Smart. Hes no [Duelist]was no [Duelist]how did he take you down, then? It sounds like it was your battle to lose. Yes, he has two ws for one sword, but you have a longswords reach and enchantment.

 Ilvriss grimaced.

 Thats what I thought. I touched him about eight times. Guess what he did? He baited me into thinking he was slowing more than I thought. I was wary of course, but then he knocked my de down. I was ready for him to kick or sh at me. He feinted a kickthen hurled snow into my face with his tail. Next thing I know, he has my sword arm andwell, you can imagine how well I did after that.

 Hed been a training dummy for the next three minutes. Hed refused to let go of his sword, but Zel Shivertail had refused to let go of his arm. Zelirughed until he caught himself.

 Really? Thats how he got you?

 Ilvriss gave him a wry grin.

 I was furious at the time, as I recall. I refused to surrender. I think I told the Tidebreaker to his face that a [General] does not brawl.

 There you are, then. But youre wiser than you were then. Or you wouldnt put it like that. And if you didId set you straight.

 Zelir swished his de. Ilvriss nodded and set himself. They exchanged more blows, pivoting for strikes, and Ilvriss scored a point. He was about matched with Zelir without Skills, but of course, the Drake was more than just his individual ability with the de.

 Hm. Practice is done. Now, lets get to actual work.

 The [Weapon Trainer] adjusted his stance. Ilvriss copied him. First the Drake performed a slow strike, then let Ilvriss watch him from the side. The Wall Lord tried to copy the new movement. He moved through the different motions of attack and defense, while Zelir watched, critically.

 Youre progressing through the Llevian school quickly. But youre going to have to switch and start practicing only in that style soon.

 How long until then?

 Mm. One more week. Are you doing those sword cuts? No, I shouldnt tell you to do that if youve been pushing yourself.

 I practice at least a hundred times when I can. I wont ck. Not when its my neck on the line.

 Zelir nodded approvingly.

 The Llevian school was a sword-style invented by Drakes. It had apletely different approach tobat than, well, the traditionalist methods of attack and defense.

 Sword schools, de arts, were generally Skills one picked up. Deliberately learning and mastering an entire school of fighting wasnt done. For instance, Zelir hadnt taught Ilvriss to do that; hed grounded Ilvriss like he would any basic [Warrior].

 It was practicality; the young Wall Lord hadnt had an entire lifetime to devote to the sword school, which was sometimes what you needed. Why learn to parry this exact way when you could learn to cut, thrust, for whichever method suited the asion?

 Two reasons. The first was that a sword school, a good one, gave you a defense and attack for every asion. Even so, the polyglot fighting style of most [Warriors] trumped specialization with its strengths and weaknesses.

 Except that a master in a particr fighting style would unlock its unique Skills and abilities. Ilvriss focused on the two-handed de style of the Llevian School, which actually drew from axe-style downward sweeps. You tried to ground your opponents de by parrying in one direction, and capitalize in that moment.

 It was an unusual style and Zelir had been surprised when Ilvriss brought out old Gemscale teaching manuals. But hed been willing to teach Ilvriss the style.

 It was one suited for fighting opponents armed with axes, revolving around nimble, graceful strikes. Footwork was as important as parrying.

 And it was also good against oversized opponents like undead. Ilvriss didnt mention that.

 The fact that you wanted to learn an entire school of swordsmanshipdid you feel like your training wasnt good enough? Thats on me, although even I wouldnt expect my best student to take on the Tidebreaker.

 Zelirmented from the side. Ilvriss grunted as his muscles adjusted, trying to work the new attack pattern into his body and subconscious.

 Not you, Zelir. RatherI just felt like I was relying on my artifacts too much.

 Thats fine for a Wall Lord.

 I want to be better.

 Hm. Well, I cant fault that. Youre moving too slowly, even for practice in the Denial of Action. Try again.

 Ilvriss did. This was an old school that Drakes had invented, and as such also taught you how to guard your tail inbat. Alsounpleasantly or practicallyit had a number of strikes designed to de-tail your opponent. Hed declined to learn those.

 His enemy was Human and used the bodies of all species.

 -

 The practice took an hour and Ilvriss was sore afterwards. He refused to use a healing potion though; it erased your hard work. Zelir nodded.

 Same time tomorrow, then? So you can sleep properly.

 A moment, Master Zelir? I wanted to consult with you.

 The Drake paused. He looked to the door of the outdoor training court, dizzyingly high upalthough protected with enchantments. Stillthere were no guard rails so you could walk over the edge of the training grounds. The spells would catch you, but Ilvriss had no fear of heights after many sessions sparring on the edge of the training court. A Szsarian desman could fight you on the edge of a cliff.

 They sat together, dangling their legs over the edge of the training court. Below them, people were specks or walking on far distant bridges below. Ilvriss smiled.

 You used to make me do this all the time for our talks.

 Zelir had advised a young, sometimes moody or frustrated Ilvriss, growing up. The old trainer grinned.

 Times never change. How can I help you?

 Ilvriss nced sideways. Now, here was a Drake with better swordsmanship than his. Solid, reliable. He wasnt the highest-leveled Drake in the city, but he was over Level 30. Yes, he wouldnt be asrge an asset as Shriekdebut you could trust Zelir.

 Why not him? Ilvriss had a list. It was only in his head. But it had Osthia, himself, and tentatively, Shriekde for things she could do that she wouldnt ask questions about.

 It was time to expand that list. Hed dithered and wavered and tried to be sure butthe Summer Solstice and the events just before that had shown him time was running out.

 I should have hired bodyguards. I should have put money into the inn. I could have hired a Gold-rank team to guard the ce every hour of the day. Why didnt I?

 You had a question, Ilvriss?

 Zelir prompted Ilvriss. The Wall Lord looked up.

 Imhunting for high-level people, Zelir. In Szsar. This is confidential to the Walled Families

 The [Weapon Trainer] gave a serious nod. Ilvriss cover was the anti-Antinium task force, and even this was secret to Zelir. Ilvriss briefly exined and the Drake whistled.

 And you need some high-level Drakes to fight? Well, if you wanted my sword, Im afraid Im not the best! Not that I wouldnt mind having more students.

 He gave Ilvriss a sideways nce. The Wall Lord smiled at the testing look.

 I am, actually. But Zelirbeyond you. Ive looked around the city andwhy are there so few high-level Drakes in Szsar? It feels like theres no one exceptional I can call on in our standing forces. Excellent soldiers andpanies, dont get me wrong. But high-level [Warriors]? Shriekde is an exception, butdo you see my point?

 Zelir exhaled.

 I do indeed,d. That isWall Lord.

 Ilvriss ignored the reflexive name. Zelir went on after a moment.

 Itsmon to Drake cities. We have high-level [Commanders], a few heroes, extraordinary adventurers like Saliss of Lights, Shriekdebut we do have less outstanding individuals in our armed forces. Its mostly to do with our military stylepared to Humans. Do you understand what I mean?

 Ilvriss tilted his head as he watched a bird fly past and give the two Drakes a side-eye.

 You mean, the fact that our [Soldiers] arent Human militias?

 Drakes keptrger standing armies and drilled their [Soldiers] more extensively than the norths conscripted armies, which each [Lord] had. Their City Watches, for instance, were tied into the armys strength. Zelir nodded.

 Yes. Efficiency. Nothing like a Drake spear wall to hold a line. Its what were known foreven small cities have organized and drilled [Soldiers], especiallypared to the Humans. Our Watch gets funding and training while theirs can be corrupt or good or bad. We have standards. It urs to me we might have gone too far.

 How so?

 The Drake smoothed his neck spines as he tried to exin.

 Lets say theres a monster attack. Who sorts it out? The Watch in the south as much as adventurers. So we have less adventurers. Lets say theres a battle and a spear group is faltering. We pull them backbecause we can, because theyre trained to fall backand throw in a new one. We dont abandon them.

 Of course not.

 The Drake nodded.

 Human armies thoughsometimes they gamble. Heres a group of conscripts with swords and shields and a months practice. Throw them in, bail them out with a [Knight] charge if you can. Sure, many die. But the ones who survive level. They have [Knights] and poor infantry.

 Ilvriss got it.

 So theyre creating ways for individuals to excel.

 Exactly. And between you and me,d. Drakes make it so that everyone can perform to standard. But we sometimes make it harder to stand out because of that. Not that its a bad thing to do it this way, but it does change how levels work. Everyones a bit higherand less people are highest.

 Zelir gave Ilvriss a long look. What he said in privacy might be seditiousin otherpanies, in another city. Ilvriss just sighed.

 Thats what Ive observed.

 He had scoured the ranks of Szsarsmand for people he could snap up that wouldnt be missed. He couldnt take their best [General] to go running around fighting secret wars. But it meant that everyone below wasnt much better than Osthia. And she was good

 But he needed exceptionalism.

 Thank you, Master Zelir. Ill see you tomorrow. Same time?

 So long as you sleep in.

 The Drake chuckled as he rose. Ilvriss nodded to him. Tomorrow, hed ask Zelir to join his army of three. The old Drake might not be young or as high-level, but Ilvriss would arm him in artifacts. That would help.

 -

 The problem of high-level individuals Ilvriss brought up to Alrric again, as he visited thepany.

 Ill visit the mining crews and not faint this time.

 If you like, Wall Lord. But if you do faint a second time, Im going to have to ban you from doing inspections. Our current seam is giving us adamantium along with gems and I cant have you holding us up.

 Ilvriss smiled at that and Alrric grinned for a moment. It was a jest at Ilvriss expense, and a sign of the new working rtionship. Alrric had been wary at first, but now he seemed more at homeand they had worked together for a long time.

 How is the family doing? I hope I didnt hold you up with my copse.

 Well. And I got back to them on time. My daughter, Sidinel, is getting to be a handful. She wants to travel about.

 By herself?

 Herself, her friends, with usyoung Gnolls, no, young people.

 Alrric sighed. Ilvriss nodded without any personal experience into the matter, as non-parents did when told about parent-things.

 So, about one of my requests, Alrric.

 Which one? Sourcing the Potion of Regeneration or high-level recruits?

 Ilvriss paused.

 He had received Lytes [Message] when Erin was hurt. On that day, in that very hour, he had opened the Gemscale vaults and inspected every inch of it.

 They had hoarded gold, gemstones, and artifacts. More than you thought. Less than Ilvriss would have liked, to be honest. The problem was that Drakes did use artifacts throughout the years and a Potion of Regeneration?

 If they had had one, Zail would have used it. They had none.

 And getting one was tricky.

 Does anyone else have one in their vaults?

 Alrric put down his quill. He scrubbed at some ink on his brown fur, then stopped.

 I made inquiries, Ilvriss. Few Walled Families are willing to even give me a straight answer, but Wall Lord Meiss is the only one who has one

 And he wont sell.

 Ilvriss nodded. Hed tried. But who was going to sell an heirloom artifact that couldnt be produced in this world? Ten thousand gold pieces? Go stuff it up your tail. A hundred thousand, even? Not even close.

 A million? Well, that might be enough to turn a head, but it was still a priceless relic. And there were limits to even Ilvrissrgess.

 He put that aside.

 High-leveled individuals. Anyone? I was talking with Master Zelirmy [Weapon Trainer]about the issue.

 Alrric consulted his notes. That was the power of an [Administrator]. He took the need, found people who could do the job, and had it done and waiting the next day.

 Lets see. High-level. High-levelno one new in military matters, Im afraid. You know every Level 40+bat-rated individual in all of Szsar. Im sorry, Ilvriss. But at that level you pretty much have to hire them. A [General] bounces between cities, or [Swordsmasters]

 Ilvriss was well familiar with how Drake cities enticed good warriors and leaders. Every nation did it. Pass had stolen Pelt when hed been on the market, for instance. And he didnt want the public bidding war that always ensued. He didnt want mercenaries.

 Well, thats it.

 He grumpily sat back, putting down his signed documents for filing. He felt like he was chasing his own tail. Day in, day out, it was all incremental progress. He needed action. He neededto do something. Now.

 Alrric cleared his throat.

 If it helps, Ilvrissthis problem isnt unique to Szsars military. Your instructor? What did he say about Drakes and leveling?

 Ilvriss repeated the contents of the conversation and Alrric nodded. He sighed.

 Ah, thats true. No exceptions, just exceptional averageness. Your instructors take strikes me as eminently correct.

 That sounds like a quote.

 The purple-scaled drake raised one eyebrow. Alrric blinked.

 It is. Have you heard of the tale of Salii the [Secretary]?

 The name was familiar. Ilvriss sat forwards.

 Wasnt she responsible for the Ruby Runsix years back? Practically quadrupled the holdings of herpany.

 Not just from that. Yes, she was as good as they came. Better than me, although I wasnt as good as I am at the time. The highest-leveled [Secretary] in all of Szsar.

 But shes not here. Didnt she go to another city?

 The Gnoll licked his finger pad and flicked a piece of paper over.

 Nope. She went to Chandrar. Pomle.

 The training ground for [Martial Artists]? Why?

 Alrric looked up with a grin.

 She said it was to improve herself. To challenge herself and keep leveling. Did you know that along with Szsar, she worked in Manus, Zeres, and Fissival? All for only a year or two. She came in, took the hardest jobs at low pay, and when she had things running right, she quit and left. Right when she seeded. Right when it got easy.

 Ilvriss sat back. His mouth opened and his tail stirred.

 To level up. Thatsextraordinary.

 She left a mark. Even now, someone says they got a Salii when they get a diamond in the rough. If you wanted to improve anything, you should get her. Although I doubt she wants to return to Szsar.

 Ilvriss grimaced. Recruiting from other cities was hard enough. Other continents?

 See if you can get in touch with her. Do they even have [Mages] over there?

 She has a Scroll of [Messages]. Ill have it linked to you forter. Speaking of which, I have a shortlist of unique individuals you could grab from around Izrils south. Nothing special. Level 30+, all of them. A [Spearmaster], a [Master Archer], a [Lancer]

 Ill look it overter. Thank you.

 Ilvriss sat back with a sigh. Salii the [Secretary]. There was something to it. But a [Secretary] wouldnt be useful against the Necromancer.

 Right?

 -

 Ilvriss visited Osthia after concluding his work with Alrric. He didnt waste time as he entered the private work rooms hed sequestered to n his countering the Necromancer.

 Im going to add some standing forces to yourmand, Osthia.

 She looked up. Her blue-dyed scales itched, but she could scratch here, stretch, and so on.

 How so, Ilvriss? AlsoShriekdes gone missing. I think shes off her potions.

 Ilvriss stopped. He looked around and realized Shriekde hadnt stopped outside the rooms like normal.

 I was walking around and didnt even notice her.

 Osthia grimaced. Shriekde was Ilvriss bodyguard as well as an agent in their war, but she was normally Ilvriss shadow.

 She didnt report this morning. I think sheserratic. Ill check on her tomorrow.

 Hiding in her room, threatening to kill Osthia if she entered. Stuff like that. Ilvriss rubbed at his forehead.

 See to that, thank you. And Ill get you more subordinates. Not ones you can tell the secret tobut ones under your directmand.

 Who? More Gemscale soldiers? Your sister already wants to know why I have a hundred for being your bodyguard.

 The Gemscale family had their own standing forces, but Ilvriss shook his head.

 My family doesnt employ high-level [Guards] or [Warriors]. If they weretheyd find other work. No, were going to get an elite groupso you can at least take down monsters, and other threats. I wanted you toe with me so they know who to report to. It wont take more than thirty minutes

 Elite group? Osthia hesitated. She tried not to roll her eyesthen remembered she and Ilvriss werent subordinate andmander in the same sense as in the army. She coughed into a w and Ilvriss looked at her as he went for the door.

 Not to offend Szsar or this group, Ilvriss, but we have a saying in Pass. Every units elite until we kick their tails in. If this is like one of Pass elite groupsevery army has them. Idont know if its going to be that helpfulpared to the one you have in training.

 And that one would take months more of drilling, for all most had [Enhanced Strength] or [Greater Toughness]. They had potential, but no battle experience and training.

 Far from being offended at the insinuation, Ilvriss only smiled.

 Specialized infantry, then, Osthia. And I think they might meet your standards. Here. Follow me.

 Curious, she rose and followed.

 -

 Ilvriss took her down through his tower and into one of the central ones. A shared spire, for the power of the Walled Families.

 It is true that elite gets tossed around a lot, Captain Shieldscale. But unlike other groups, the Walled Families of Szsar dont keep individual standing forces of renown. Rather, we pool our strength. So we have a different systemhere we are.

 They had entered one of the military areas of Szsar. Their city wasnt as proactive as say, Pass, and had fewer armies, but they were still good. Strong.

 And they answered to Ilvriss.

 Wall Lord! Can I assist you today?

 A [Lieutenant] on desk-dusty straightened and saluted as Ilvriss and Osthia approached. She nced at Captain Shieldscale, but she seemed perfectly at home with Ilvriss rank, somewhere around [General]. He could, after all, call upon an army if he wished.

 How strange other cities were. Osthia listened.

 Lieutenant, Id like to buy into one of our Gem Regiments. Id like one battalion-strength group of the um Swords if theyre avable.

 The Drake grimaced as Osthia listened, bewildered.

 Id have to consult my notes, but I am almost certain theyre on deployment with our 1st Army, Wall Lord.

 Pity. Thenare the Erchirite Spears avable?

 At battalion-strength? Certainly. And what will you need them for? Duration?

 Indefinite, and I will pay for four months if that is eptable. Guard duty and perhaps monster-ying, without ruling out fighting. No ns for full-scale engagements.

 The Drake didnt even blink as she noted all this down.

 Heres my figure for the payment, Wall Lord.

 Ilvriss nced at the number on the piece of paper. Osthia gulped. He nodded.

 Done. Send it to Alrric in mypany. Also, Id like

 Wall Lord Ilvriss, please excuse me, but what is going on?

 Osthia burst out, bewildered. The [Lieutenant]s brows shot up, but both she and Ilvriss smiled.

 Simple. Im hiring an elite group, Captain Shieldscale. Or rather, the specially armed Gem Regiments of Szsar. Surely youve heard of them?

 Yes, sir. Butyou can just hire them?

 They are paid for by all of the Walled Families. It costs more to hire them, and Szsar can recall them if need be, but it allows for some level of equipment. Exceptional averageness I suppose.

 Ilvriss sighed, and Osthia didnt get that part. But then he was looking around.

 Is one of the [Battle Captains] on duty, Lieutenant? Perhaps Captain Shieldscale can see the Drakes shell be leading.

 Of course, sir. I have a Captain Presz on duty. I will have him called up and the Erchirite Spears assembled directly.

 Ilvriss nodded.

 Id also like to draw onsixteen Rubirel Guard. Same duration. Bodyguard duty. Both forces report to Captain Shieldscale.

 Of course, Wall Lord.

 -

 The Erchirite Spears were elite. And Osthia wouldnt be disparaging the four hundred Ilvriss had paid for. They were lined up, ready to do whatever needed doing.

 Made of [Veteran Soldiers] who won the right to enlist in the safer, much more well-paid Gem Regiments. Also?

 Enchanted armor, enchanted weapons. Osthia stared in envy at what money could buy you from the richest Walled City in Izril.

 Captain Presz saluted her, and then showed her his spear.

 Each ones expensive as they get, Captain Shieldscale. Hence our small regiments. Take a look. Mithril-alloy shafts, and the tip is

 He indicated the topaz-like mineral stuck to the top. Only, it was charged and Osthia knew better than to touch it. It wasnt as transparent as topaz, but had an inner sparkle.

 Echirite. Stores and releases electricity when struck. Without protection, a full unleash from one of our units is like a [Chain Lightning] spell in battle.

 The Drake grinned as the [Soldiers] stood to attention. Osthia imagined what it was like to charge into that groupor suffer a spear-charge.

 I take it back, Wall Lord. Thats a fine fighting force.

 Under yourmand. Battle Captain, Captain Shieldscale is mymanding officer. I dont expect youll be doing more than rxing for the short interim, but she has my full authority.

 The [Battle Captain] saluted.

 A pleasure, Captain Shieldscale.

 I wont interfere in tactical decisions until I know your unit, Captain Presz. And Ill try to listen to the expert in the field.

 She hastened to assure him and the Drake smiled.

 Thank you, Captain. Its a tossup on who we getmanding us. And I understand youll be taking the Rubirel Guard, Wall Lord?

 Sixteen. Theyre heavily-armored, Captain Shieldscale.

 They were indeed. The Drakes were like the mewardens of Pass, a former group of heavy-infantry Oldbloods that Osthia had once known.

 But rather than relying on Oldbloods, the Rubirel Guard exchanged the ability to breathe fire for the ability to surviveanything.

 Enclosed helmets with sight spells. Internal air reservoirs. No [Snipers] putting an arrow through the arrowslits. Heavybut we can still swing battleaxes. Toss us into fighting, Captain. Toss some [Poison Cloud] spells in too; we dont mind.

 Just dont make us sprint.

 One of them joked around. Osthia nodded, impressed.

 This is the kind of force I want to take against the Necromancer. If they had ten thousand of themshed be talking about when to siege his castle. But they were expensive and hard to field. There were fewer than a thousand among all of Szsars army, mostly as shock troopers or bodyguards.

 -

 The high-powered Gem Regiments hed paid for made Ilvriss feel like hed done something. But he didnt have a target to hit; the instant he went after the Necromancer, he suffered.

 At least theyd get some battle experience. Alrric and Osthia would use them to kill monsters that appeared while the mining teams worked. He almost pitied even Crelers running up against the Rubirel Guard. Almost. Actuallynot at all.

 But the problem of high-level, trustworthy people remained. So frustrating. Once you had good people, you could have them do work, like Ilvriss was trusting Osthia. But he had even relegated his old adjutants to other duties because he wasnt sure, and he couldnt watch them all without first having his good, core team.

 Zelir would be the first. So whydid Ilvriss feel as though his mentor wasnt enough?

 Perhaps because this battle isnt one you can win with a fancy sword art.

 He was rubbing at his head and debating taking a purple pill so he could work early tomorrow when someone called upon him.

 Ilvriss! Ilvrisswevee to kidnap you!

 The Wall Lord nearly drew his sword before he recognized the familiar, jovial tone.

 Tasilt?

 Tasilt and Brilm, the two Wall Lords that Ilvriss had known growing up and were around his age, were waiting for him in the foyer of the Gemscale residence.

 Tasilt and Brilm. Alike and not. Both enjoyed, well, fine things as most people of money did. Brilm loved novelty, curios from afar like the song-gems hed invested in and were making a big profit.

 Tasilt? He was more into wine, libations, enjoying himself.

 But Brilm, a bit pudgy for a Drake, was far more conservative than Tasilt, who had married a Gnoll and scandalized Szsar. Tasilt byparison had put Ilvriss onto hiring Alrric and was an easygoing, good-natured Drake.

 Of the two, Ilvriss trusted Tasilt to be honest and moral. He trusted Brilm to show him something interesting.

 He liked both of them, even if he had little time to be a friend at the moment.

 What did you say, Tasilt?

 Kidnap.

 The Drake winked, without realizing why that had rmed Ilvriss. Brilm chuckled.

 To be more precisewere the two who are going to save you. From yourself. Dont try and resist! Were armed!

 Ilvriss eyed Brilms side, knowing the Drake could barely use the enchanted sword. Tasilt was better, but neither had studied the sword as much as he did. Then againTasilt had been in bar brawls with Ilvriss as a young Drake and he was good with his fists.

 And what am I being kidnapped for? I have [Healer]s orders to rest up. Stress.

 Yes, yes. Stress. As if overwork couldy low the mighty Ilvriss!

 Brilms tone was mocking and teasing. Tasilt just looked at Ilvriss, brows raised.

 Youve been overdoing it. If you try to resist, well have to use force.

 Which is?

 Well tell your mother that youre overworking yourself.

 Ilvriss knew it was only Tasilt who coulde up with a threat like that. It would never ur to Brilm, but Tasilt knew Ilvriss and Helessia. Also, that his mother would fuss and worry about it.

 Ilvriss grimaced.

 A low blow, Tasilt. And what am I supposed to be kidnapped to?

 Youll see. Brilm?

 The Wall Lord gave Ilvriss a wink that Ilvriss didnt like at all. The Wall Lord thought as they shepherded him from the residence,ughing with the staff and promising to have Ilvriss back before his bedtime.

 They were headed down the tower. Ilvriss suddenly began to really think about the number of things that would take BrilmTasilt

 Listen, you two. Im happy to rest up. In fact, I was about to sleep. I have medication

 Brilm waggled a w in front of his friends face.

 Oh no, Ilvriss. We heard the diagnosis. Stress. And you dont just need sleep! A Drake needs

 He nced at Tasilt and the other Drake coughed.

 We know it may have beendifficult ofte, Ilvriss. Everyone heard about it.

 Oh no. Ilvriss closed his eyes. Tasilt was referring to the rm when Erin had gone to Invrisil. But they had never heard the one when she was hurt. She must have taken off the ring? Why did she?

 And if they were talking about that, they had the wrong idea. Ilvriss turned.

 I think youre mistaken.

 His two friends grabbed him under the arm.

 Ilvriss, its for your own good. We know an excellent ce. I go there all the time. Tasilt, vouch for me.

 Im married, Brilm.

 Oh. Right. Well, even so. Before that.

 Absolutely not.

 Ilvriss began to struggle. The two Drakes refused to let go. He could have forced them to stopbut then Tasilt threatened to tell Zail and his mother.

 -

 Thecewas known as The Drakes Pearl, and it was a brothel. But a high-ss one, the kind where you didnt have denominations below gold pieces.

 It was also privateinsofar as you could stealthily arrive and disappear if you chose.

 Some did choose. Others did not, and strode in there like Brilm every week. He knew the staff by name.

 But privacy of the clientele only extended to the gossipers and people who poo-poohed The Drakes Pearl and all establishments of its kind.

 The people who worked there knew all the names, even if the Drakes came in hooded, cloaked, or [Invisible]. After allit was hard to be invisible when doing the deed. Although that was something you could pay for.

 Also, contrary to the name, there were more than just Drakes working here. After all, Szsars lonely bachelorsor married Drakeshad a number of desires that could not be expressed in politepany.

 Bachelors. Even here, female Drakes did not just walk into a brothel, much less ask for the entirely-female [Escorts] and so on. They had different methods. If, say, Navine Gemscale wanted to meet someone in the same industry, well, she could ask for a house call as it were. Or go there herself.

 The Drake sitting down knew all about the secrets. It was amunity, after all, so she knew the dirty little secrets only an idiot would ever try to cash in on. She had started in far worse ces than this, in fact. Here she took breaks, waiting for the expensive, expensive clientele toe in. You earned gold per assignation, and if you had people who liked you, gifts of valuable perfumes and gemstones were the least of what youd get.

 Perfume. As if its all we want. And I have to wear the scent each time he visits! I keep getting them confused!

 A female GnollArannawas grousing. She was young, beautiful, and had made the smart move of dying her fur such that she looked, well, like some exotic Gnoll [Shaman] from the ins. Shed even added touches to her costume. She was fretting about a recent gift. The Drake leaned over.

 Are your preferred clients Drakes or Gnolls, Aranna?

 The Gnoll huffed.

 Drakes, Xesci. You think Gnolls want to see me pretend to be a wild Gnoll who needs to be tamed?

 Xesci snorted. Oh yes, it was an act. And exoticshe sighed.

 Exotic. She hated that word. But she nodded to Aranna as the younger Gnoll held out the perfume bottle of extreme expense.

 I know someone who resells stuff like that. Ill introduce you. My advice? Sell it.

 But the perfume

 Hell give you cheap ones. Get some that smell a bit like the one they gave you. You could even use the same one. I knew a Gnoll who used the same scent, every time. Told each of her clients that it was theirs and they bought it.

 The Gnollughed and Xesci smiled. She sat back as Aranna nodded.

 Thanks, Aranna. I

 She coughed. Someone was smoking on a puffer. The Gnoll red at another person sitting in the back rooms.

 Do you mind? It sticks to my fur!

 Say its part of your tribal rituals. Dance about a fire. Itll get them excited.

 A female Human, Shakra, rolled her eyes. Aranna huffed, but left to go store the gift instead.

 Shes sensitive to smoke. Put that out.

 Shakra glowered.

 I got it as a present. Ill trade you a puff.

 No thank you.

 Xesci didnt put down what was between her ws. She was, in fact, knitting. Shakra nced at it.

 You have the weirdest hobbies for someone in our line of work.

 It beats drinking or smoking. I do that when Im not about to lie on my back for an hour.

 An hour? I never lie there for more than five minutes.

 More snorts.

 Human, Drake, Duhan, Gnollthey had even had Garuda and Selphids in. Any species you wanted. Any look. They could cast magic, sweet-talk youor go exactly the other way.

 Xesci was not aspecialist in those areas. Certainly, she wasnt one of the older Gnolls, who, unlike the exotic ins Gnoll of Aranna, instead was quite mean to her clients.

 Mostly Drake clients, incidentally. Gnolls just didnt have as much moneyand, perhaps, there was less of a culture ofing to these establishments in groups. Wall Lords on the other hand

 Everyone, tails up! Weve got three Wall Lords in the lobby! And one of thems new!

 Someone hissed through the back rooms. All the women inside looked around.

 Really? Whore they?

 Secrets, as noted, were not kept except from the outside.

 Brilms here.

 Thats my cue. Unless he wants Aranna or Medroniaria.

 Shakra doused the puffer. Aranna and Medroniaria, the half-Elf [Courtesan] who dressed like one of Terandrias nobility in an odd mix of fetishes, both looked interested.

 Brilm was a familiar face. The other two? Xesci listened.

 Whos the other Drake? Hes been here.

 Yesbut not recently. Not for years, apparently. Tasilt?

 What? Hes married. I know his wife! Shes like a hero to me!

 Aranna looked dismayed. The [Prostitute] spying for everyone reported back.

 Dont worry. Hes only here to take the third one.

 Oh, thank goodness.

 The Gnoll sighed, and, surprisingly, so did the other two Gnolls, all of whom wanted to believe in the one Wall Lord who had married a Gnoll. Shakra on the other hand, looked disappointed and relit her puffer.

 If Tasilt is here, Brilms going to ask for you, Aranna. He always does every time he hangs out with that Wall Lord.

 Youre sure?

 Aranna began fussing with the perfume bottle shed been showing around. Shakra grimaced.

 Want to bet on it? Whos thest Drake? Maybe theyre in the mood for Human?

 The Gnoll spying with her enhanced hearing looked around. And she looked uncharacteristically

 Maybe, Shakra. Youd actually better get ready. Hes new, but he might ask for you. Brilm is, um, rmending you?

 What? No onees here on first go and asks for a Human

 The back room fell silent. Everyone looked around. Oh.

 Gossip went around the city, and especially in ces like this. Xesci stirred.

 You must be joking. Menorra?

 Its Wall Lord Ilvriss.

 The entire back room went into a flurry as everyone tried to win one of the most eligible Wall Lords attentions. In the lobby, he was arguing with his fellow Wall Lordsin fact, more had secretlye to er, support him in his hour of stress. And to do business here.

 But. Xesci knew that he hadnte hererecentlybecause he had been off the market so to speak for a while. And if recent events were any guideshe shook her head.

 Idiots.

 Then she went to dress up.

 -

 Ilvriss was a bit irked. Ilvriss was a bit narked. Ilvriss was a bit upset, but he tried to exin why to Brilm and Tasilt.

 Brilm. This is not the cure for my overwork ofte. This will not make me feelbetter.

 He was angry. Mostly at Tasilt, even though Brilm had instigated the idea. Tasilt should have known better than to suggest something soasinine.

 However, it was Brilm who countered Ilvriss.

 Have you checked?

 What?

 Have you checked if it helps, Ilvriss? Be honest. Have you visited such a fine establishmentor found yourself inpany once in thest month?

 That is entirely

 I think, Ilvriss, that it is.

 Tasilt spoke up. He was having a drink, since he would not avail himself of this ces services. Ilvriss gave him a long look.

 You must be joking, Tasilt.

 Everyone has needs, Ilvriss. It may be indecorous, but Brilm brought up a fair point. Sometimes you just needsomething. And since my n of dragging you to a bar and getting into a fight didnt fly, Brilm wins.

 The other Wall Lord shook his head.

 I will not be getting my groin kicked or be stomped onalthough I hear you can pay for that here.

 Ilvriss closed his eyes. He did not need to hear that. He looked around.

 And you really want me to?

 Well, were not going to watch so its up to you, Ilvriss. But loneliness is a terrible thing. At least you can pay forpany after

 Tasilt stomped on Brilms foot. Ilvriss head swiveled around and the Wall Lord coughed and headed off.

 That was rude, even for Brilm. Sorry, Ilvriss. He doesnt know how to deal with this.

 And this was your best foot forwards, Tasilt?

 Ilvriss glowered at his friend. Tasilt exhaled.

 I suggest you avail yourself of this ce. Or drink one of those Orgasm Potions I heard were banned in Pass.

 Why? In the name of the Ancestors, what has gotten into you, Tasilt?

 Ilvriss demanded hotly, enough that some of the other inconspicuous guests in their own partitioned spacesome with disguises onlooked around. Tasilt just met his gaze levelly.

 Because it does help, Ilvriss. I can go home and hold my wife after a tragedy. Sometimes you just needdistraction. Brilms right when hes right.

 He was that. It was impossible to say Brilm was always wrong because right when he told you about the most idiotic investment opportunity, something happened and he made up all his other losses and came out way ahead. Ilvriss hesitated.

 And he was never going to get out that door anyways. The employees of The Drakes Pearl knew money when they saw it. Also? Getting Ilvriss in, even if he denied everything, was a lot ofstreet cred? Reputation? Something like that.

 Wall Lord, please at least let us show you around. We have a very fine selection of talented people here. Your friend Brilm has paid for everything and we cannot just refund the fee

 It was probably a Skill like, [No Pulling Out], which might have double entendre uses, especially here. Ilvriss felt like he was a young Drake on an outing with his friends again, daring themselves in here.

 Periss

 It was wrong toe here, even if Tasilt and Brilm thought it was about the Human in Liscor he was missing.

 However, Ilvriss had to admithe didugh for the first time in a while upon entering the selection room, where you could meet and socialize with the women currently working, or inspect, well, a catalogue of people and arrange other visits, sometimes privately.

 The Drakes Pearl had private rooms, rooms for all kinds of things, like rescuing a damsel from a monsteractual monsters like slimes cost extra since you got to kill themthemed rooms, even full suitesplete with hot baths and so on.

 It was, after all, the best such establishment in Szsar. But that didnt make Ilvriss <emugh. What made himugh, involuntarily, was the hall of fame on the wall.

 There were actual pictures of guests whod agreed to have their faces upor just names or aliases. Brilm was there. But what made Ilvrissugh was the longest period of consummation award.

 Four hours, eight minutes, fifty one seconds.

 Ancestors.

 That poor woman.

 Tasilt sighed. Ilvriss stifled hisughter, staring at the picture. It was, apparently, a record held by Mister Superior, a Drake of unknown origin. Date listed.

 Who was the other half of the event?

 The female Drake trying to show them to the women turned.

 Excuse me, Wall Lord?

 Ilvriss pointed to the hall of fame record.

 The other partner. It takes two.

 OhIm not sure.

 Tasilt shook his head.

 Someone give her a que. Unless it was only Mister Superior by himself. Wait a second. If thats how you break the record, Ill do it myself and go for twenty hours! For the record, of course. You can even have my name and face up.

 Ilvriss snorted. Brilm, who was already flirting, gave them both a resigned look. But then Ilvriss sobered. And feltapprehension.

 -

 Xesci was not out with the others. She had declined to line up, as the others were surely doing. But she was listening from the back room. It was very quiet. Shed smiled herself as Ilvriss pointed out the que. But now

 It was a bad idea. That was her opinion. But it was how [Soldiers] did it. Someone lost a friend? They tossed them in here and perhaps it did help. She had held more than one adventurer or warrior afterwards.

 Still.

 II am ttered by the attention. But I really dont feel interestednor is yourpany helping, frankly, Brilm, Tasilt.

 Oh, fine. And I understand that part. Tasilt?

 Im going to break the record, Brilm. By myself. Is there any way you can confirm its just me on the que? So my wife doesnt kill me.

 They left Ilvriss alone. And now the Wall Lord was asmall fish around big fish.

 Xesci didnt know fish.

 She heard murmurs. Flirtatious voicesor however thedies of the night were scouting out Ilvriss. Theyd be tossing charm Skills and other simr abilities out, but Xesci wondered if Ilvriss might be a hard opponent.

 He was a strong [Lord] and his aura could probably take most of what they could use on him. Unless he was willing. She listened.

 Are you interested in something morewild, Wall Lord?

 That was Aranna, straight to the point. Ilvriss backed up.

 Fancy a night, sir?

 Shakra. Xesci was curious, but Ilvriss replied distinctly.

 Nothank you, Miss. But no. Not Humans. No one, preferably, butI apologize.

 That surprised and disappointed the people. Xesci just nodded.

 Who thought he wanted to see a Human face right now?

 You. If you want me, I will have you crawl on hands and knees, yes. No?

 And that established what Ilvriss was not interested in. Xesci listened as he practically jumped across the room. He kept turning down people, and she knew he was using his aura. She felt it in the aimand, pure and simple. It meant no one would be seducing him past his senses.

 Ilvriss, youre being unreasonable. Ierhave to go, but Im not going to let it drop until youre at least in the same room with one of these women. Theyre amazing conversationalists! Really! Do you think Im just in and out in five minutes?

 Brilm, I cant do this. I dont even know what I want, but I dont think its here, with respect to all these beautiful women, of course.

 That sparked a challenge among the people here, although Ilvriss couldnt have known it. Did they enjoy their jobs? Well, did you enjoy your job in any profession all the time? It was just work. But it was well-paid work and there was still pride in what you did.

 Unless people told you to be ashamed. Xesci had heard it all. Brilm exhaledand then paused.

 Hold on. If you dont know

 In the back room, the Drake saw the other workers look around. And Brilm was speaking to the desk manager.

 I know someone wholl fit. Is Xesci?

 And that was how they met.

 -

 Xesci had not been among the young women of every species in the meeting room. Ilvriss felt like there was something significant about her, though.

 Everyone had seemed to know what Brilm meant when he said there was no one else to choose in response toIlvriss denying he was interested?

 Well, he was forced into at least meeting the woman. She was already in a private apartment where you could do anything from cook to sleep towell, there was one point and one alone in the end.

 Wasnt that so? He hesitated. It had felt like a long time since hede into a ce like this. He had met Periss and before thatassignations with other members of the Walled Families, mostly.

 But Periss had been so long and now? He would not be doing anything more than Tasiltless than the other Drake, who had apparently asked if he could set a personal consummation time record, or upset Mister Superior.

 This was a silly ce. For theugh alone, and his friends clear, if totally iprehensible method of helping, he would have thanked them.

 But no. It would be a betrayal of

 Excuse me, Miss Xesci?

 He pushed the door open and it closed behind him. Someone was waiting on the rather overdone bed with copious sheets and pillows. The entire room had achartreuse color theme. Padded.

 There sat a Drake with two needles in her ws. Ilvriss instantly hesitated.

 If this is like that Gnoll who threatened to put a cor on my neck and take me for a walk, I will stab Brilm. He eyed the needles

 But they were, in fact, knitting needles. And the Drake was knitting asock?

 It was a sock. A nice, thick one for cold weather or stomping around in mud. She was making it out of a rather nice wool, too. Something properly expensive, not thick and cheap.

 There was even the beginning of decoration on it. Alsoa Drake sock, so one tailored around their wed toes. You tightened socks rather than jam a foot into them like Human ones. So they were more like foot-wraps that youced around your foot. So much better than socks that had only one method of being put on.

 Why was she knitting a sock?

 Im sorry, Wall Lord. I didnt think youd be too interested in me.

 The Drake stood up, putting down the needles, yarn, and unfinished sock and apologizing. Ilvriss blinked.

 Xesci was a female Drake. That much had been obvious from the catalogue. But unlike every other person on the list, she had not had a picture illustration.

 She was dressed fairly skimpily, but with clothing you could actually wear on a warm day. A violet dress with ck hemline, not transparent, but simply nice. And the Drake herself looked

 Er

 There was no way for Ilvriss to say this politely, even in the confines of his head. But he was taken aback because she was in.

 Completely ordinary, that was. Which was fine. But every female [Concubine] or so on in that room back there had been surpassingly beautiful, as you might expect in a ce like this. Some were older, others young and vibrant, but Xesci was

 Average. Completely. She looked like she was in her earlythirties? Ilvriss couldnt tell. Her scales were a light green, one of the mostmon colors.

 Every part of her face was ordinary. Not perfectly symmetrical, or wless. Just amazingly ordinary. You could pass her ten million times on the street and never notice.

 Ierwell, thank you. You are Miss Xesci?

 Yes, Wall Lord. Im quite happy to let you sit here fortwenty minutes and then refund you. I think yourpanions would ept that.

 The Drake got up and nodded at him. Just nodded. No bow, not that Drakes tended to do that. But she seemedIlvriss was off-put.

 But also relieved.

 You seem to understand my situation, Miss Xesci. Thank you for that.

 He looked around; there was a padded seat he cautiously inserted himself into. She sat back on the side of the bed, grimacing.

 These things make you sink into themyou could probably suffocate with enough nkets and pillows.

 He smiled despite himself.

 This is ahthe typical bed you might use when

 He stumbled over his words. Now, Xesci smiled.

 You dont need to be so formal, Ilvriss. And you may call me Xesci. Yes, when I have sex. It can get quite taxing on the back. Ive asked them for a harder mattress for years now.

 He sat there,pletely ill at easefor about five minutes. Then he began talking to her like another person.

 And they dont oblige you? I imagine for a ce thiswell patronized, it wouldnt be too expensive.

 You think that. But they do love to reuse everything. Also, you have to get stain-proof enchantments on everything so I understood the expense.

 Eurgh.

 Yes, right?

 She smiled. Despite himself, Ilvriss had to grin. The Drake went on with a sigh as she picked up the knitting needles.

 But I got them to install one in one of the rooms.

 Oh. So what was the problem? It wasufortable?

 The Drake looked nk.

 No. Its that everyone wants to use it. I get to use it once every two weeks, if Im lucky. So it goes. Pardon meIm just knitting socks for a friend. Its a hobby. I wouldnt have brought out the needles if I thoughtagain.

 She was knitting as she talked, with that ability some people had to knit without really thinking about it. That told you they were the hardcore, real knitters, not the posers.

 Ilvriss nodded.

 So you work here. And this job iswell, I have visited ces like this before. Never here, but I ah, was reluctant to do so. Mypanions seem to think it will help.

 He couldnt think of anything else to say. Xesci nodded.

 I know. Word travels fast around here. It might, if you wanted it. Im happy to be charmingbut I dont think thats you.

 And you know me?

 She raised her brows.

 I seem to. Im very good at knowing people.

 Click, click, went the needles. Ilvriss had to admit she was right. He sighed.

 WellI apologize then. If there is anything to apologize for. I will pay the fee. Or Ill make Brilm do it for bringing me here.

 She smiled and nodded.

 Thank you. Well, thats three minutes. Seventeen to go. While you wait, would you like to talk or just sit? Or you can sleep in the bed. Dont worrythey clean it every time.

 Ilvriss shuddered.

 No thank you. Andtalk?

 Oh yes. You thought your friend was lying, didnt you?

 Brilm? He actually talks here?

 She smiled at him and he felt rather foolish.

 Of course we talk. All the time. You must haveste here as a young man. Theydo not tend to talk. Most gulp stamina potions and ask me questions about how theyre doing sometimes.

 Ilvriss shifted ufortably. This was not a subject of conversation one brought up in polite society. Ever. But this ce was one of those areas not technicallyDrake. It existed and they let it exist because it was better to have it than make it a crime, but they did not talk about it.

 Xesci looked at him as if reading his mind.

 I apologize. I forget this isntfortable talk.

 Itis perfectly fine with me. So, Brilmes here? He has his face on the wall.

 Yes. Hes quite well-liked, you know. Hes generous, doesnt actout of turn. And he does talk with his favorite women. ShakraI think she, no it was Aranna, actuallyshe told him about the Singer of Terandria, you know.

 What? You mean those song-crystals he made a fortune on

 Hes good at listening too.

 Ilvriss opinion of The Drakes Pearl did not change markedly. But despite himself, twenty minutester, he found himself asking questions like someone just discovering an entirely new culture or field of work.

 Which is what Xescis life was, really. He had never thought to ask.

 Its fine work. If theres protection. Other cities have none and it createsdanger. Far better to have rules and guards and so on.

 Other cities dont do that?

 She sighed.

 Human cities. Zeres banned it for nearly a decade when the Serpentine Matriarch, in her great wisdom, objected to it. One of the Admirals got her to reverse it, which was good. It was criminals and [Sailors] fighting and

 You were there, personally?

 She looked surprised.

 Zeres? Only for a year. Then I left. Ive been to Pass, ZeresSzsar is the best for me. I came from the north.

 What, really?

 Drakes live there. I was born in the north. I learned my trade from Human women. In safety, actually. I left to find my people, but this is my job. Maybe Ill go north after earning enough.

 Safety?

 She smiled.

 Do you know the Gangs, Wall Lord? I was a part of the Sisters of Chells business. Theyre an all-female gang that protects my sort of person. In exchange for fees, of course.

 Really. But there must be danger with a criminal underworld

 Xesci sighed.

 There is. And they can benearly as bad as any other gang. But if youre honest with them, its almost always fine. You know theyre [Nightstalkers] and such? A kind of [Rogue] mixed with [Temptress]. Many of them were in my profession, but learned to defend themselves after being attacked. Or they were recruited. They know what its like and they respect you, which is rare.

 He had no idea. Before he knew it, he was chatting about Izrilian gangs, and how many ces Xesci had been. They were talking about Pass, and Zeres, both ces which hed visitedand the vastly different experiences of each when Xesci nced up.

 Oh no. Its been forty minutes already.

 So?

 So, your friends are going to get the wrong idea. Unless thats fine? I dont want to take up your time, Wall Lord.

 She looked at him. Ilvriss hesitated.

 Im quite rxed. Althoughis this normally how it goes?

 He gestured awkwardly around. She smiled.

 For a first client whos nervous? Maybe its even their first time? Yes, actually. I might be moreflirtatious. But at this point I might subtly suggest we be more intimate. Offer to get you something. Sit closer. Move my tail like

 She made a gesture. Ilvriss coughed.

 Ah. Thank you for your consideration.

 She nodded. IncidentallyIlvriss was not more attracted to her now than he had been when first entering the brothel. He did like her more, that was certain.

 You were so confident I wouldnt be interested, though. Were you at all interested?

 He pressed her in time. She smiled. Ilvriss was curious. It wasnt as if he waswithout an ego.

 The female Drake eyed him. Then she smiled and chuckled.

 Wall Lord. If I wanted to entice you, this is exactly how Id do it. y disinterested and then slowly warm to you. im I was entirely fine with not having sex and then let you make me admit how interested I really am.

 He blinked at her. Then flushed red under his scales.

 I

 I didnt mean that. But hed fallen into the trap!

 Or not a trap? She was shaking her head. And shed told him this would have been a trap, proving she wasnt trying to seduce him, or was this a gambit to actually make him drop his guard twice in order to

 Abruptly, Ilvriss realized he was overthinking this again. If she wanted to seduce him, she could. Mainly because this was a brothel. He sighed.

 I must be tired. ImI suppose Tasilt had a point, Miss Xesci. It has been a while. But Idont wish to do anything. I think I am tempted, though.

 She nodded.

 Most people are. There is nothing wrong with it. But Wall LordI am sure you dont want me. In that, your friend Brilm was the most wrong.

 He looked at her.

 How do you mean, Xesci?

 I mean, Wall Lord, that if I am right, you would have been better served with the receptionistwho is, in fact, the third-most requested person here. Or anyone else before me, even Shakra, the Human woman you met.

 What?

 Oh yes. Do you think the first thing most returning customers ask isnt and what about you, Miss? The management is sometimes clever.

 He smiled again. But he was curious now. And he felt the same niggling feeling at the back of his mind.

 There was somethinghere.

 What would be so wrong with you, Miss Xesci? And if this is a trap to fully seduce me, please let me know.

 She shook her head, looking at him.

 It is not. But I see how Ive stabbed myself in the leg. Damn. This is why I should watch myself. Im so conniving when I knit

 She tossed down the needles, surprising Ilvriss. For a moment her voice changed. He looked at her.

 What do you mean?

 She sighed.

 Curiosity. How did that strange woman put it? Curiosity drives my customers to me. The rest is the truth of what I offer. I can see where this is going, Wall Lord. Very well. Since theres no help for itplease dont be rmed. Or do. Iam going to show you something that might upset you.

 He stirred as Xesci got up. She turned, fiddling with her dress, and he uneasily stood.

 Miss Xesci, you neednt undress. Wait. Are you a Selphid?

 She looked back at him and smiled.

 It would be very amusing if I was, wouldnt it? No. And dontworry

 The dress came off. Ilvriss saw a bare back and hesitated. He made to avert his gaze from her tail, at least, but nothing amazingly different made itself known in the brief glimpse his mind now had on auto-rey in his mind. Nor did Xesci turn around.

 Wall Lordthis is why I am the most requested here. Also, why you dont want me.

 The Drake pped her ws and the room went dark. The magical light spell was programmed to turn off when someone did that, apparently.

 Ilvriss w was on his sword when he heard the two ps again. He was tensed, his other w ready to trigger a spell from one of his rings.

 If this had been a trap

 But she would have gotten him naked without his rings or equipment if it was, surely. He looked aroundbut the Drake was alone.

 Standing where she had been. But not the same. She was facing him. He hesitated, but she was clothed. She wore

 Armor. The Wall Lord saw what might have been enchanted leather. Snug, secure. Not enchanted. But it should have been.

 Her scales had changed color. The Drake was taller. Her scales were light blue. She had a scar on her forearm.

 He knew that. He looked up.

 She was younger. She was no longer ordinary, indistinguishable from a thousand faces. He knew this face. He knew this Drake.

 She stared at him, then at her body. Her arms were muscr. A [Soldier]s arms. She had once killed a Wyvern by herself.

 She

 It was Periss. The Drake looked exactly like her.

 It was Periss, down to every line of her. But the armor wasnt enchanted. She carried no weapon. But it was P

 Ilvriss drew his sword. The Drake backed up.

 Wall Lord

 What did you do? What did you do?

 The fake Periss backed up. Ilvriss stared at her. That was her. Every inch of her. Every bit of her he remembered, the parts he had started to forget, realized in perfect detail.

 But it was not her.

 Has someone drawn a weapon in the room? Our sensor went off. Excuse us, Wall L

 The door burst open. The Drakes Pearl had a security system in ce. The bouncer and fake receptionist stopped as they saw Ilvriss.

 Oh no. Not again. Xesci

 Wall Lord, please lower the sword.

 Wall Lord Ilvriss, put your b

 Ilvriss pointed the sword at the [Bouncer]s face. The Gnoll was probably good. But Ilvriss was wearing his full equipment and his swordboth of them stopped.

 What. Did. You. Do? An illusion nowhat are you doing? Stop it! Undo

 He was beginning to shout as more people gathered, more of the staff hurried forwards. But before he couldthe voices shouting in his head

 Periss, Xesci, stepped forwards and grabbed his arm. With the other hand she grabbed his ring-hand. Thenshe head-butted him.

 Ilvriss hadnt been expecting that. His head rang as the Drake let go. He hadnt let go of the sword, but she pointed down at him as he tensed.

 Get ahold of yourself, Wall Lord! This is a Skill! Or have you taken leave of your senses?

 She snapped. He froze.

 It was her voice. And that instinctive reaction tohe looked up. The Drake folded her arms.

 Drop the sword and Ill exin. If youre too addled to think, the staff will have to beat you down and tie you up until you listen. And it wont be the tenth time either.

 She looked at him. The voice, mannerismsIlvriss dropped the sword.

 Tell me.

 -

 I am a [Courtesan of Change]. High-level. Each time, I be someone either I or my client has met. It affects my personality too, so please excuse me.

 The Drake sat in a chair, military-straight. Unlike the in Drake of before, Periss

 No, Xesci was direct, forthright, even aggressive. This was how Periss treated subordinatesor idiots. It wasnt the rtionship shed had with Ilvriss in private.

 He was almost grateful of that. Because she was so much like Periss it hurt.

 Can youcan you change to another?

 Not for a while. Sorry. Also, not very sorry. You asked. I know the knitting Xesci was manipting youor doing it without realizing it evenbut you did ask.

 The [Courtesan] sighed. Ilvriss was trying to wrap his head around it.

 What is your true form?

 I dont know. Ive forgotten.

 He stared at her. The Drake woman gave him a weary sigh.

 My ss changed me. At firstI was good at mimicking other people. It helps you in the business to put on an act. Soonit became what I was good at. Some are good at sex itself. Some? Charming, or addictive. Ibe.

 Like the [Actors] that Erin had made. Nothis was the ss that had existed before them. Thiswoman

 Are you even a Drake?

 Yes I was. But I dont have to be.

 His head spun. This was beyond Selphid levels of alteration. Xesci saw his expression and rified.

 Dont think I can be a Minotauress. I cant. I can alter my height and be anyone within two feet of my original height. It used to be only an inch.

 But you be them. You wore armor

 It disappears if I take it off. And its probably not as strong as actual armor. Wall Lord. It may be hard for you to understand, but this is a ss. A high-level ss. No more.

 He looked at her.

 Youre over Level 40. At least. NoLevel 50?

 She didnt answer. Nor was she appraisable by a spell. Periss-Xesci sighed.

 Im sorry for doing this. I like being the knitting Drake because shes soun-sexual. I thought it would help and look what happened. I met her onceshe was a strange person. But she knits like a genius

 To say that it was an incident was no joke. Brilm had emerged to find Ilvriss talking with Xesci, after having nearly gotten expelled for drawing a de on one of the workers here.

 But Ilvrisshe couldnt look away. His throat felt tight.

 Youdo you know who you look like right now?

 I can guess. Im sorry. It was the firstperson in your mind. Far and above the young woman.

 She gave him a sympathetic look. He started.

 You can tell?

 Vaguely. I know who you might loveor find too real. As I said, I know my job. If Im bothering you

 No. Please stay.

 She nodded. She knew what he wanted. Of course. She sat there and he looked at Periss again.

 It was like the faerie drink all over again. But it hurt more, now, seeing the not-Periss.

 More. And less. Because the wound was healing, Ilvriss realized. It might have torn open nowbut if he had seen her months ago, he might have well gone mad.

 The Wall Lords head was in his ws. Xesci hesitated, but when he looked up, he was clear-eyed.

 He had not wept. Ilvriss looked at her and nodded.

 Thank you, Miss Xesci. Iunderstand, now, your reservations. I apologize for my reaction.

 Many have it. I should have just said as much from the start. But the knitting-Drakeshe never says anythingpletely straight.

 He nodded again. The Wall Lord stood up. Xesci waited.

 This was the moment he would ask, and she would be reluctant, very reluctant if he did. But he just turned away.

 I regret asking, Miss Xesci. And yetmay I request a visit with you tomorrow? Yestomorrow.

 Her head sunk. Then her eyes shed. Whoever this was had a temper. She controlled her tongueand her instinct to kick his ass, this might be good if she was ever in a fight like some Gnolls shed metand sighed.

 She had better get used to this body, then. She had mixed feelings about it, but this is why they came back. Again, again

 Of course, Wall Lord. And this is all discreet. I will only take this form when were together and never speak of

 He looked at her. The [Courtesan], for all the confidence this body gave her, felt her tongue dry up in her mouth. Ilvriss spoke.

 I would like to talk, Miss Xesci. Notwhatever you might be thinking. I mean that truthfully, without artifice. Never take her shape again.

 He met her gaze. Slowly, the Drake nodded.

 I wont. Very wellIlvriss.

 The Drake stood. He walked towards the door, looking as pale as if hed copsed again. But definitely vigorous. Full of emotion, for better or worse. He had the door half open when he looked back at her.

 Her name was Periss.

 She nodded. He opened the door and strode out.

 -

 Ghosts. The Wall Lord was hauntedno, apanied by them.

 Not Ghosts, the malignant specters that were monsters summoned by dark magic. He meantspirits.

 Shades.

 All those were undead subtypes. The Wall Lord walked back to his tower unsteadily. Brilm and Tasilt hadnt understood what had happened, but Brilm had been upset hed failed to help. Tasilt was engaged in setting records, apparently.

 Ilvriss walked by evening in the lower part of Szsar. He really wanted a drink. And he knew why that would not happen.

 Dead people, then. Not zombies. Justmemories. They followed him around. Pushing him, reminding him.

 Zel Shivertail, to follow.

 Periss, to avenge.

 And Erin Solstice now.

 There were more. Friends hed had who suffered idents,panions in war. Teachers.

 If he looked behind him, would he see them clinging to his shoulders? Ilvriss lookedbut all he saw was a group of Gnoll children racing about, young, in one of those little packs of children.

 He shook his head. And he didnt fes if they were dragging him down.

 Remember the dead. Because of Periss, he wasnt drowning in a bottle.

 Xesci. She had shaken him. He was stingry. Confused. Shaken.

 However, his mind was racing.

 Hers was a ss and level beyond any hed seen recently. Beyond his, really. The ability to change your form without magic?

 He rubbed at his forehead.

 On the other wing, that wasnt what Periss could do.

 If shethe real Perisshad really head-butted him, she might have cracked his forehead without a protective Skill or enchantment. So Xesci was only borrowing form, perhaps native ability. Not Skills.

 Little potential in war, then. Even if you nted her as aa[Saboteur]-type individual, without that ss she wouldnt manage to assassinate a [General]. A [Strategist], maybe.

 But to dismiss her was a narrow-minded way of thinking. Ilvriss considered how useful she could be as a [Spy]. As

 He shook his head. Ridiculous. A night worker?

 However. He was reminded of anotherparison, the one Alrric had made.

 She travelled from city to city, even went from the north to the south. She definitely doesnt fit into ssic Drake society.

 This meeting had opened up possibilities, and helped him, despite what Brilm and Tasilt may have intended. Ilvriss walked on.

 Then he paused.

 The lower city of Szsar was far more crowded. But Szsar, home to millions, one of thergest cities in the world, still had space. It was ever-expanding. Someday, it would absorb the entire mountain it was built out of.

 Thusyou could find yourself alone from time to time. And it seemed he was walking down a street devoid of people.

 His aura had obliterated something. Ilvriss narrowed his eyes. He was a [Lord], and he had been fending off the advances of the people in the brothel. Hed subconsciously broken through some sort of keep-away Skill. He felt the slight urge to walk off and not go down this street.

 Reflexively, he checked himself. Nothing to his rearnone of his rings or amulets was buzzing for hostile magic. The Drake put his w near his swordthen slowly moved it away.

 If it came to it, hed point his Ring of Greater Fireball and activate it. No one expected a [Fireball] to the face.

 The street was empty. He looked ahead and found

 Well, a lone person hurrying down the street. Had they seen Ilvriss? They were cloaked, and he saw a long tail. Drake. Ilvriss saw them nce aroundthen hurry around the corner.

 Hm.

 They hadnt realized someone had broken through their Skill. What had they been doing? Ilvriss looked past them and saw

 Oh.

 Interesting. He came across a giantpainting on the side of one of the apartmentplexes in the lower residences. The paint was drying even now. And it was, er

 Ilvriss stepped back. It was startlingly good. urate to life, even scaled up. Splendid colorationa bit more vivid than reality, so it popped along the slightly dirty stonework. The artist had also given it a faint grey background to canvas the Gnoll hanging onto the windowsill.

 Yes, a Gno [Miner] if ever Ilvriss saw one, in the traditional gear, his pickaxe holstered at his waist. He was holding onto the windowsill of the apartmentthe artist had incorporated the natural scenery.

 He had a desperate look on his face. Clearly, he was trying to climb up. But the problem in the painting, the motif if you will, the subtle message in the art

 Was the pair of Drakes currently engaged in trying to push him out as they held huge gemstones and bags of gold in their ws. They were uh, cartoonishly sneering down at the Gnoll.

 The problem, if Ilvriss would have critiqued this art in a gallery, was that this painting had painted the every-Gnoll, without specific detail on his fur. But the two Drakes?

 He knew them. The distinct speckle-pattern of gold on the female Drakes blue scales she loved belonged to Wall Lady Gishaand her brother didnt paint his scales gold, but that had to be Wall Lord Rellmel, with that streak of green across one arm, mixing with the onyx scales.

 The entire painting stood out to Ilvriss. Bits of gold dropping as the two Drakes tried to kill the [Miner]or at least make him drop off the windowsill. Excellent art. Provocative message.

 Ilvriss looked at it for about four minutes, admired the art, and went on his way.

 He had more important things to do.

 -

 The next day, Ilvriss awoke after purple-pilling himself into oblivion. He had a breakfast on time, asked Osthia how her training was going.

 I think the Gem Regiments are well suited forstrike missions, Wall Lord. The Rubirel Guard are especially impressive. I couldnt even scratch their armor. I only have one concern

 Which is?

 What if someone [Dispels] their armor? They have entirely enclosed armor, but it seems weak to enchantment attacks

 A casual [Dispel] wont break their armor, Captain Shieldscale. And if the enemy decides to field an [Enchanter] of that strength, every artifact is in danger. I think if the Rubirel Guard did lose their enchantments, theydremove their helmets.

 Good point, Wall Lord. I was just concerned about fighting high-level spellcasters.

 Ilvriss had nodded.

 For now, theyll be excellent against anything short of that unlikely scenario, Captain.

 After that, training with Zelir. Ilvriss was walking out of his tower when Shriekde appeared.

 Im here.

 She stood in front of him as the doors to the Gemscale residence opened. Ilvriss blinked.

 The female Drake wore the kind of expression hed seen [Soldiers] with incredible hangovers wear. Sullen, angry, and also annoyed. Toss in boredom to thatit was an amazing stew of emotion.

 Adventurer Shriekde. You didnt report yesterday.

 Yeah.

 She said nothing else. Ilvriss eyed her.

 Are you in need of more potions or scrolls?

 I dont want them. Can I kill something?

 He hesitated. Osthia paused and eyed the Named Adventurer.

 Do you want me to handle?

 Shriekde gave her a look and Ilvriss recalled the issues with her before. He sighed. This had happened multiple times.

 Adventurer Tessa

 Call me Shriekde. Everyone does.

 Very well. Shriekde. If you are fit to work, apany me for the day. I dont envision fighting. But I will tell Captain Shieldscale to contact you if any monsters arise in the mines.

 Fine. Yay. Standing around. Kill me now.

 She stomped after him, making no effort to resume her professional, if eerie, normal shadowing. As she was now, she was talkative, had a personalitybut a foul one.

 Case in point, halfway to his appointment with Zelir, Ilvriss heard a small sound. He saw Shriekde puffing away on a huge cigar.

 Is that Dreamleaf? That is contraband in Szsar.

 Who cares? Im a Named Adventurer. I can defend you drunk. Can I get a drink?

 No.

 Ilvriss dropped it. Zelir was no less interested by Shriekdes new attitude today. He eyed herand the cigardisapprovingly. She was lounging against one wall, watching them, incredibly bored, but alternating between puffing and watching people in the city below.

 I never noticed theMiss Shriekde before, Wall Lord.

 She has been here on many asions, Zelir. Ive hired her to take care ofbat issues. Monsters and so on.

 I see. Youre not in fear of your life?

 Not at all.

 Ilvriss lied. Zelir had never detected Shriekde before. But the [Weapon Trainer] quickly dismissed her.

 Did you want to discuss something with me, Wall Lord?

 After our training, I think.

 Ilvriss had decided to make Zelir part of his mission, for all the reasons hed thought of yesterday. They began to warm up, first sparringthen Ilvriss trying out the new sword style.

 Not bad, not badbut you wont ever get to your old level of fighting prowess without constant practice.

 The older Drake was approving. Ilvriss felt annoyed at the new style. However, he knew he had to make his body learn to parry the new way.

 Why dont you try using your Skills while we fight,d? It might help you learn a new style.

 As you like. Careful, though[Flurry Strikes]!

 [Parry de]!

 Zelir and Ilvriss practice swords shed at each other. Ilvriss had fewerbat Skillsbut he was a strong [Lord]. Even so, not one of the nine fast strikes hit Zelir. He knocked down seven blows perfectlythen the other more clumsily, but took himself out of range of thest one with a [Fast Backstep].

 Whats that? Seven charges?

 The [Weapon Trainer] smiled. He had [Parry de]but a spin on the Skill. [Parry de Sevenfold Reserve], which meant inyman terms that he could parry an iing blow seven times, then it ran out. It would recharge in time.

 Youve gotten too good with your Skill,d. Time was you could only do four strikes. You might get me one of these days!

 That would be a shame, if I someday managed to win more spars than I lost. Too bad I[Reaching sh]!

 Zelir cursed and used his Skill to duck it. The two Drakes went back and forth, as Ilvriss began to warm to the new style. It was only halfway through the serious spar as both used their Skills that his tunnel vision and hearing made him realize Shriekde was making a sound.

 She wassniggering. He hesitated, and saw Zelir nce to the side.

 Something wrong, Miss Adventurer?

 This is so stupid.

 She flicked the butt of her cigar over the edge of the training grounds. Ilvriss eyed her, feeling a spark of real annoyance in his chest. He and Zelir had been going at it for about thirty minutes by now.

 Do you have an objection to our training methods, Adventurer?

 She shrugged insolently at Zelirs clear ire.

 If the Wall Lord wants to learn how to fight, he should ask me. You two fight like youre on the sparring courts.

 The two male Drakes looked at each other.

 We are.

 Yeah. I didnt see one of you kick dirt in the others faces. No body blows, no oneing from behind with a knife. That wont work on a battlefield. The sword style, maybe. But youyoure not doing more than teaching him how to hold the sword.

 She pointed at Zelir. Ilvriss saw the [Weapon Trainer] bristle. He put down his practice sword and looked at Shriekde.

 Master Zelir is an old family friend and mentor, Adventurer. Watch your tongue.

 She shut her mouth and folded her arms. Zelir nodded to Ilvriss. They tried to get back to it, but Shriekdes words had soured the entire affair. Zelir pressed Ilvrisshard. Fighting aggressively, testing Ilvriss, as if to prove Shriekde wrong.

 She rolled her eyes. She said nothing, but she was so pointedly dismissive that Ilvriss began pushing at Zelir, so his back was to Shriekde.

 Even soDrakes had tempers and Zelir was proud of his skill. When he tried to parry Ilvriss and got a score on the arm, Shriekde might have snorted. The [Weapon Trainer] rounded on her.

 If you think this is a game, Adventurer, pick up a practice de and show me you can do better!

 She stopped lounging against the wall. Ilvriss put up his de.

 Master Zelir. This isnt a good

 Zelir rounded on him. He was normally polite, but Ilvriss remembered his temper. He snapped at the Wall Lord.

 There are things I can stand,d, and things I cant. This is swordsmanship, not a street fight! This Adventurer can show me she can back her talk up, or she can wait elsewhere.

 I can use a sword. Better than both of youbined. Im a Named Adventurer. Youre old and you make money training people outside of battlefields. Ill take you on with one hand and no Skills if you stop bugging me. How about it, Wall Lord?

 Shriekde waved a w at him. Zelir bristled.

 Pick up a sword!

 Zelir

 Dont argue with me, Ilvriss! Im still the instructor here. Now

 -

 She broke his arm. It took her four minutes in the savage duel that unfolded. True to her promise, she used no Skills. And Zelir pressed her hard, at first. He didnt use Skills either. It was down to the ability with the dethe strength of each ones bodyand fighting style.

 At first, Shriekde just danced around Zelir, moving faster than even the [Weapon Trainer], who often did the same to Ilvriss. She blocked, parrying his angry thrusts and strikes. Ilvriss watched, ready to jump in, uneasy.

 She let Zelir tire himself and show her his fighting style for a minute. Then she began raining down fast blows towards his head. She scored him twice, but light blows. He went in harder, and touched her on the shoulder. Just a touch

 That was when she lost her temper. She struck from above, then, as his sword was parrying and riposting towards her face, kicked him in the stomach.

 He didnt expect that. And then Shriekde hit himone handed. Ilvriss stopped her, but it was toote.

 Arms broken. Maybe the wrist, too.

 The [Healer] pronounced the injury as Zelir was lifted to a clinic. Mes. He was lying there. Possibly from the vicious blows that had broken said armpossibly just from shame.

 Please treat him. I will check on him as soon as possible. I have to deal with

 Shriekde was standing on the edge of the training grounds. She looked over her shoulder and then sullenly turned to face him as he stalked over.

 Master Zelirs healing costs wille out of your wages, Adventurer.

 What? He challenged me.

 You were taunting him. And you could have beaten him without breaking his arm. Let alone dueling him. You will not do so again, is that clear?

 The Wall Lord snapped. Shriekde glowered. Then she looked at the sky, past his head.

 Fine. I hate everything. Im sorry.

 She rolled her eyes. Ilvriss resisted the urge to say or do somethingmainly because she was a Named Adventurer. But this? He was going to insist that she medicate herself from now on.

 To calm himself, he took a few steps away and stood at the end of the training grounds. You could look almost entirely straight down, until the tower widened and you saw more expansions below. A pool of water, in this case.

 The enchantments, as noted, saved people from falling. Every tower had thembut there were always idents. Drakes falling and bouncing off the tower andwell, you either learned how to deal with, enjoy heights, or you didnt live in Szsar. Ilvriss stared down at his city below. So far down. The people like small insects, millions moving around, going about their lives, doing good work. A city he was proud of, that was his home. That he loved and would defend

 Jump. Kill yourself.

 Someone whispered behind him. Ilvriss did not jump. He slowly turned his head.

 Adventurer. What did you just say to me?

 Shriekde looked around, nkly. And he realizedshe hadnt been talking to him. The Wall Lords imminent wrath hesitated.

 Hm? Oh. Dont you feel like jumping?

 He stared at her. Then down below.

 No. What are you thinking of? You mean the enchantments?

 No. I forgot this ce has them. And theres a pool so you wouldnt die. Heres probably better. You jump from here andbam. Youre dead.

 She walked around to the side. Ilvriss stared at her back. She tilted her head down.

 Dont you feel like it, when you stand up here?

 No.

 The young adventuress turned to him.

 You dont hear a voice in your head telling you to do that?

 No. Youhear a voice?

 She shrugged.

 Its just me. Me says its my problem. You really dont ever hear it? A little voice sayingkill yourself? All the time?

 Ilvriss stared down over the edge of the training grounds. Well, now he did. He looked at her.

 I do not. Is this why y

 Well, I guess its just me, then. Sorry I broke your Masters arm. Sorry Im here.

 She stalked away from him, quickly. Scowling. Fumbling for something she began chewing hard. Ilvriss looked at her back. He came to two quick decisions.

 Adventurer.

 She stopped and turned to face him, sullenly.

 Yes, sir?

 You will report to Captain Shieldscale and she will deploy you to the mining tunnels to perform monster-ying duties. If there are none in the Gemscale operations, you will assist otherpanies.

 It was unorthodox, but Shriekde brightened up.

 Yay. Alright. What else?

 He met her gaze.

 Report to my quarters tonight. We have more to discuss, then.

 Her faceflickered. Fell. She looked at him, then nodded and turned.

 Fine.

 -

 The Shriekde incident aside, today, Ilvriss was fully-prepared to deal with conversations about his copse and the brothel incident. He assumed it was the talk of the city.

 He was wrong. He had a brunch with his mother and Navine. Ufortable, but they tried to at least be civil.

 Well be going to Oteslia. Im almost sad I dont get to see all of the drama here.

 Around me? Navine, Im sure it will all blow over soon. And nothing happened. It was a misunderstanding

 Helessia and Navine blinked at him.

 What are you talking about, Ilvriss? You? You mean you copsing? No ones talking about that today. We might havebut everyones talking abouthavent you heard? Sellme did another painting!

 Sell me?

 The two Drakes exchanged a look. Navine shook her head.

 NoSellme. The street artist? She did a paintingst night of the Emera family. You know? That stuck up Rellmel and his awful sister, Gisha? You do know who Sellme is, dont you? Wait. Ancestors. Youve been gone on that campaign against Zel Shivertail and you were in Liscormother, he doesnt know!

 Ilvriss blinked. It seemed even Helessia knew, from the way the two Drakes exchanged excited looks.

 Whoor what is this Sellme? I know about the Emera familyspany, of course

 They werent doing so well as Gemscale, but theyd hit a profitable seam, or so Alrric said. Rellmel had never been Ilvriss friend, although they were around the same age. And Navine had a terrible opinion of Gisha, who, Ilvriss understood, was the one who really called the shots, despite Rellmel being the head of thepany.

 As usual however, his take was not Navines. She red at him, her tail curling up under the table.

 Thats just thebusiness of it, Ilvriss. You dont think about the people. You do know that the Emerapany is firing all the [Miners] they had for thest six years and recing them with new hires, each?

 Why would they do that? Theyll lose all their experienced workers.

 Ilvriss blinked. Navine rolled her eyes.

 Because the mining teams had an agreement that if they struck a payload, theyd get a share of the total profits. The Emera corporation agreed since they thought all they had was silver and a few minor gemstones in that shaft. But when they hit magical stones

 It all came together. The mining dispute was one of the ssic fights between apany and the workers. And in this case, the Emera corporation had terminated all their workers in this shaft rather than honor the agreement. They had managed to use a loophole in their contract and it was a bad look.

 However, no one could really stop them. And that was where Sellme hade in with the painting on the wall.

 They want to take it down. But the apartmentplex is owned by the Geirscale family and they hate Emera, so they refuse to. Thats what Sellme does.

 And he

 She. Its probably a she. No one knows, but I think it is. Shes an [Artist] who puts up pictures, usually pointing something out. Sometimes for fun, but she started a bit after you left on your glorious campaign.

 Ilvriss sat back. Huh. Sellme was clearly an alias, and they had a clear grudge against the Walled Families. Navine disputed that.

 Just about corruption, arrogance, Ilvriss. Sellme targets people like the Emera group.

 Hm. Until she goes after you or I.

 Why would she? I run mypany without issues like that.

 She glowered at him. Ilvriss opened his mouthand then decided not to engage. He could have said that even Navines equitablepany still had her at the top and that she was supporting this artist until they went after her, but he did not.

 Family.

 -

 Its Wall Lord Rellmel, Ilvriss. What?

 Alrric nced at Ilvriss. The Drake rubbed at his head.

 Thats the second time Ive heard his namee up today.

 Ah. The Sellme painting.

 Does everyone know about it but me?

 Alrric smiled slightly.

 Its already made that apartment go up nearly a thousand percent in value. People will want to live thereif someone doesnt steal the wall.

 Steal the wall. I saw itst night. It was forty feet high, Alrric.

 Really? You must have seen it as it was made, then! Did you see Sellme? No, of course you didnt

 The [Administrator] looked up. He went on as Ilvriss looked over the reports. Their mining seam was turning up more adamantine and people wanted it bad. Pelt ofEsthelm? Ah, yes. Terandria, Chandrar

 He hesitated, and then authorized a sale to Esthelm. He could have held onto it, but the Dwarf wanted less than other nations. Alrric frowned over it, but didntment. It was still money in the vaults.

 They steal the wall if they can. An entire wall was knocked down and stolen overnight when Sellme did a picture for a neighborhood. Tragic. But theyre amazingly popr. There are replicaseveryone loves them.

 And they just appearedst year?

 Oh, no. You dont get a reputation like that overnight. But I think they came to Szsar recently. Theympooned their way from Fissival and city-to-city until they got here.

 Ilvriss looked up.

 They were in Fissival?

 Thats where it first started. Making fun of the Schriums magic-bias. I think it got too dangerous for them, so they headed off. Speaking of Fissivalno, wait. I was doing my check for artifacts you could snap up, and I thought I had somethingwait. I do have a note on a high-level individual who I can add to your lists.

 Never mind that now, Alrric. But I do need to consult you on some other matters. Tell me why you brought up Rellmel and well get to that.

 Ilvriss was thinking of Xesci. Poor Zelir was out of the picture, now. Alrric nodded.

 Sorry. Slipped my mind. Rellmel owns the Potion of Regeneration. But hes not selling.

 The Wall Lord sat back.

 Ah.

 And here it was again. One of his ghostswasnt dead. Maybe. There was a chance.

 Did you ask him what he might consider?

 I went from four hundred thousand gold pieces, Ilvriss, and went up. I went to one million and the Emera familys representative didnt even blink. Theyre not selling.

 Ilvriss exhaled. A million gold wasbut he slowly nodded.

 We hang on to artifacts like that.

 Especially if you lose a leg in an ident orIm sorry, Ilvriss. I can try, but its not in my purview. It might not be impossible, though. Nerul is back. And he has sess to report.

 Ilvriss nced up.

 He is? Excellent. How did he do?

 Alrric smiled.

 Wall Lord, please. Youll hurt his feelings. We have a contract.

 The Drake had been on the hunt for individuals who could help him. And even his family had trouble recruiting, finding them. But they did have one, if you didnt count Navine, Helessia, Zail, Ilvriss, or Alrric.

 A shame he wasnt a [Warrior], or he might have given Shriekde a real opponent. But Nerul was nobat Drake.

 He was a [Diplomat].

 -

 The Trisstral Alliance was a collection of cities that had banded together to safeguard interests, secure borders, and trade. You needed alliances, like the Hectvalsomething alliance. If only to resistrger cities.

 Like the Walled Cities. The Trisstral Alliance had in fact been rtively happy to trade with Fissival and Szsar for decades, but their rtionship had turned less-than-amicable ofte.

 They had strong agriculture and food industries, which Szsar and Fissival prized, being farther from Oteslia. If they fought with Oteslia, or were on the outs, they needed food, since neither Walled City was particrly good at making it.

 Trisstral supplied it, cheaper, faster, but theyd pointed out that the two Walled Cities were importing the food at losses for their economy. Theyd asked to renegotiate, as well as impose tarrifs of their own on goods from each city, which passed through their cities without a copper earned. Gemstones and magic.

 Fissival had agreed, Szsar had refused. In response, the Trisstral Alliance decided to trade with Fissival. Szsar demanded they resume trade. Trisstral asked to renegotiate. Szsar threatened them instead. Trisstral told them to shove their tails up their behinds.

 Szsar went to war.

 That was old history. That was why Zel Shivertail, who had been appointed [General] of the Trisstral Alliance, took the fight to Ilvriss forces. He beat one armythen had to fall back, back, as Ilvriss tried to corner his forces and force the Trisstral Alliance to sign some bad terms for their cities.

 Then they met past the Bloodfields, in the winter, after a grueling campaign where Zel kept ahead of Ilvriss, but the Wall Lord refused to stop chasing him.

 ThenPeriss died.

 Then Ilvriss and Zel ran into the Goblin Lord, and went to Liscor.

 Then Zel Shivertail fell and then

 But the original fight was still there, even if so many things had happened. Szsar needed food. Trisstral was hopping mad, still. But neither side wanted war after so much loss.

 That was when Nerul had arrived. Hed swept into the city, walked into the negotiating room where the angry Council of the city of Dellek was waiting, representatives from the rest of the alliance, and spoken.

 Ladies and gentledrakes, I am Nerul, [Diplomat] of the Gemscale family and officially designated representative of the Walled City of Szsar in regards to the war between the Trisstral Alliance and Szsar. Both sides want peace, and an amicable solution if one can be arranged. Lets work this out.

 The Drakesand Gnollsin the room had bristled at first. They expected an arrogant Drake from Szsar to sweep in and say how it was going to be. But Nerul caught them off guard. He stood there in their first meeting, looked around, and identified the head of Delleks Council. He inclined his head to him.

 First Scale of Dellek, CouncilmembersI assume youre speaking on behalf of the alliance? Please correct me if Im wrong. What does Trisstral want?

 They blinked, looked at each other. What did they want? Wellthe First Scale had risen, eyes shing.

 An end to the war! A ceasefire, and agreement to no hostilities! Reparations for the dead, including General Zel Shivertail who fell because of this long damned war that took him into the path of a Goblin Lord! The fair trade terms we wanted from the start!

 Nerul nodded to each point as the Drake shouted at him.

 Yes, of course. Do you have numbers, a contract? I can review it nowand I am authorized to sign on behalf of all of Szsar. I dont need to talk to the Walled Families unless theres something outside of my authority.

 The Council hesitated. One of them stared suspiciously at Nerul.

 This is a trick.

 He shook his head at her.

 Not at all, Councilmember. Szsar mourns the death of Zel Shivertail. It acknowledges the waste of a warand the act of aggression made. Or at least, the families that voted in majority to. I am here to end this conflict without a single life lost. And Im willing to do so fairly. Now. What numbers are we talking about?

 Hed caught them off-guard, and they actually had to recess to pull up actual figures. The caving of what theyd thought theyd have to fight over caught them unawares.

 And of course, when they dide back with exact terms and a contract, the real negotiations began.

 It took Nerul three months. At first, the entire Council and many representatives, including other Councilmembers, even a Watch Captain, sat in on the talks. But they quickly found that what they wanted, they got.

 Id like the ceasefire signed today, if possible. We can talk about the reparationster.

 If we sign a ceasefire, how are we to assume Szsar will honor the rest once the threat has ended?

 The [Diplomat] shook his head patiently as the Watch Captain snapped back.

 Trisstral has all the agriculture that Szsar desires, Watch Captain Cells. But a ceasefire means we can all rx. Can we agree to that?

 The cease fire was signed the next day. Thereafter, the real arguments began. It was mostly over numbers. The Trisstral Alliance wanted Szsar to pay through the nose holes for every dead [Soldier] and General Shivertail. They wanted non-aggression contracts for fourno, six decades, a guarantee of no tariffs, and so on.

 That was unreasonable, and Nerul pointed out that no Drake cities had contracts over two decadesand if they did, they were broken. Szsar couldnt justify that length.

 They argued for nearly four daysNerul being politeon the issue of length. Soon, only designated representatives were hammering out terms with the [Diplomat]. The Council had to do more than sit in.

 Which was what the [Diplomat] wanted, of course. After hed established the main negotiators, he talked with them, catching them after the official negotiations. He unveiled some of the cargo his small team had brought.

 Gifts. He didnt press them on the negotiators, nor did he offer them to just them; it was to the Council.

 Obviously they were wary. But Nerul was polite, friendly, and after the grueling negotiations, he made a point of visiting the attractions in the city. He asked the negotiators for tips on ces to visitsince he was here for a while.

 In time, he ended up drinking with them at a bar after they were done, or being invited over to a home. Even visiting other cities.

 The thing was, Nerul was representing the Walled Families, Szsar. He had a lot of sympathy for Trisstral, and there were things he couldnt agree tothat they would refuse to ept.

 I can do a ten year peace treaty. But twenty? I wont be a [Diplomat] the next day. And we can offer the open borders to Dellek because its closer. But not the other cities. You understand my point, Councilmember?

 That was one noticeable conversation with the Dellek representative, who did have to put her citys interests with that of the alliance in general. Nerul visited the city of Selmis the next day and spent two weeks there being hosted by the negotiator there, who he had grown friendly with. Which of course made Dellek a bit nervous

 Gifts, friendlinesseven charma reasonable attitude and someone who never actually got mad or rose to jibes, and was certainly willing to acknowledge fault, and most importantly, honesty.

 Nerul never promised anything he didnt mean. Nor did he try to y cities against each other; the negotiators did check. But he waspletely willing to take a six-hour-tour with a negotiator, and rack up several thousand gold pieces on the Gemscale family bill with gifts, money spent while drinking or talking with the others

 The trick was that Nerul bent over backwardsdid backflipsif he had to. Personal concessions for ones on the actual peace treaty he eventually signed on behalf of Szsar and had sent to the Walled City to be further signed by all the Walled Families. When he left Trisstral, the negotiators threw him a farewell party.

 And whilst the cities ended up with less than they wanted, their image of Szsar had turned from a city we wouldnt mind tossing Creler eggs over the walls at, to a city we dislike because of all the stupid stuff theyve done, but there was Nerul and we have a trading contract with our neighbors, even peace terms in case Fissival tries something, since theyve done that too.

 It was called being a [Diplomat]. And Nerul was good at his job.

 -

 Nephew! How is my favorite troublemaker? Start any more wars for me to fix?

 Nerul Gemscale had a luncheon with Ilvriss. His firstment to his nephew before the huge bear hug essentially continued every interaction hed had with the younger Wall Lord.

 Nerul was a different sort of Drake. For instance, he wasnt at all close to seeding the Gemscale family. He had achieved sess in other ways and established his valuebut he was no [Lord].

 If Brilm was a pudgy sort of Drake, well, Nerul was, er, big. He had already begun lunch in a fine restaurant; it was customary for him to dine at the one of his choosing aftering back from a sojourn abroad.

 Uncle Nerul, youve bailed me out again.

 And this is the first time youve ever thanked me for it. Somethings changed. Waitless Zail, not necessarily more Helessia.

 Neruls eyes bounced up and down as he studied Ilvriss. He was eating with some of his team, lesser [Negotiators] and assistants. Ilvriss nodded.

 Nerul wasor had beensomething of a ck sheep in the family, mainly because Zail and Ilvriss had not approved of a Drake who came in after the fighting was done.

 Are you drinking with us?

 Ive quit.

 Really? You continue to upset me, nephew. Ill have his drink, then.

 Nerul spoke to the [Server]. He could and had drunk every person in the room under the table. He sat back as he and Ilvriss caught up.

 The Trisstral Alliance is at peace, and well stop seeing those huge increases on the price offood. Which is a relief. And I have been three months out there.

 It amazes me it takes so long.

 Therger Drake snorted, and wiped at his pale purple scales; some wine had been sshed around.

 If you had won the war, let alone captured General Shivertail, I would have had a different response, nephew. Three months? Thank the Ancestors it wasnt eight! I would have had to stall, but I have results. Peace and more than just the word of it.

 He sat back, eying Ilvriss. Normally Ilvriss wouldnt have even joined the meal. Now, the Wall Lord sat back.

 Tell me. Ive never appreciated the other truces youve hammered out.

 Neruls eyes bounced again. He did thathe appraised people fast. He patted at his mouth with a napkin.

 Well, we have peace. Trade. But more importantly, if you were to walk into one of the cities of the Trisstral Alliance and, say, order something from a shop? Instead of reaching for a knife to stab you, the [Shopkeeper] will give you the time of day. I have made friends with each citys High Command. And the people are more kindly disposed. There will not be ambushes on our people. They will not raid us, or instantly go to war if, say, we should be rivals with Fissival and the lines are drawn. I have changed the mood of the city, where they were ready to kill every person in Szsar for the war and General Shivertails death, as they saw it.

 Ilvriss nodded. That was the power of the top [Diplomat] that Szsar could field.

 Your Skill, wasnt it?

 Nerul tapped a ring on his finger with a practiced air. In the silent bubble, he leaned over.

 [A Gradual Change of Disposition]. My capstone Skill. City-wide. If I had to, Id stay a year. But peace is all we need. Be grateful it was three months.

 Ilvriss nodded. The bubble burst.

 Does itst?

 Does anythingst?

 His uncle returned. He drummed his ws on the table.

 It doesnt work on all. Its about practicing what you preach, nephew. I went around and talked with the widows. I apologized. I flung myself on the mercy of the peopleand sometimes smacked the ground. At least theyughed at that.

 The Wall Lord nodded.

 And if I had won?

 Nerul lowered the cup. He looked at Ilvriss and then drank.

 I would have marched through their gates with two dozen of the Rubirel Guard and given their alliance a week to surrender with thunder and fury. There is a time for action, a time to build ties. I can do both. Why? Are you starting another unnecessary war? Were running out of war heroes, you know.

 That was why Ilvriss had disliked him. Nerul was not a [Diplomat] among his family.

 Not at all, uncle. I just came to thank youand speak to you about levels.

 The Drake lowered his cup.

 Intriguing. What happened to you when you fought Zel Shivertail? Nodont answer that. What happened afterwards?

 Ilvriss bit his tongue. He evaded the question, but Nerul was happy to discuss levels. He sighed.

 Ah, Ilvriss. A [Courtesan]and Sellme made another painting? Are you surprised?

 Honestly, yes.

 Why? Look around, Ilvriss. The highest-leveled Drakes in our society are all oddballs. Me included.

 Thats not a hard and fast rule. Our High Command

 War is the exception. Battle is adversity. Im talking outside of that. Listen.

 Nerul waved a w.

 Saliss of Lights. Naked. Nice as you like, but mad as a loon. Salii the Secretary, learning how to punch holes through rocks in Chandrar. Zel Shiverta hero of the Antinium Warsand a public pariah until he became a universally loved hero in death. Sellme, someone who paints pictures of dissent. Your [Courtesan], who isnt fit for polite society.

 He waved a w around the restaurant.

 Yes, we have high-level military leaders. So what? War and battle are adversity unto themselves and are exceptions to this phenomenon, which people use in bad-faith arguments to go against the truth. Look around, Ilvriss. Theres a Human saying about how the highest nail gets hammered down first. Wellin our culture, Drakes swing the hammer twice as hard and twice as fast.

 He sat back and ordered dessert. Ilvriss stayed a while telling him the more easy things to talk about in Liscor.

 And you didnt bring me back a cake? Or how to make this gto? Ice cream?

 The Drake was outraged. Ilvriss found himself more at ease with Nerulhe remembered hating the Drakes guts. He could see why.

 The Ilvriss of today smiled.

 Ill have my [Chef] send over both recipes to yours, Uncle. Alsomayonnaise.

 Young Ilvriss, if I thought people could never change for the better, youve proved me wrong.

 Nerul seized his w and smiled. They parted like that.

 Warily, Ilvriss thought. Nerul was exceptionally clever. He made you think you were his best friend, regardless of what he felt. He had to be wondering what had inspired Ilvriss to change.

 Ilvriss just wondered if a [Diplomat] of his level had more tricks Ilvrisswho had thought in terms of armies and military strength or economichad never thought of.

 Soft power.

 -

 It was an extraordinarily soft bed after all. Ilvriss poked it gingerly. Then he sat.

 Ihope I havent disturbed The Drakes Pearl too much, Miss Xesci?

 She shrugged.

 It was an incident, but no one was hurt or bothered. Theyre more curious about why you came back. They thinkwell, you can imagine.

 She nodded to the closed door. Ilvriss nodded. He began to speak, but she went first.

 I think I have to apologize to you, Wall Lord. Iacted in bad faith yesterday. I didnt realize how maniptive the knitting-Drake was. She was a creepy bitch. Sorry. Its the new body.

 The [Courtesan] was different today. Feet up on the second chair; it was why he had the bed. Lounging in a chair.

 And you are?

 She scratched at her neck-spines and sighed.

 A coworker. Shes a bitprickly. I was trying her out, but I dont think it fits. Better than yesterday, though. That other Drake had a temper.

 Periss always did. Ilvriss nodded warily.

 Theseforms. They influence your personality?

 Oh yes. And it can be bad.

 How so?

 The Drake sighed and sat forwards, resting her elbows on her knees, hunched over, apletely different posture than the other two people shed been.

 Well? You saw how I was getting into ying mind games with you. Thats an extreme example; but each personality is different. Most people are the same, but some areunexpected. Even to me. I might be overly timidor aggressive. Or worse. You can imagine.

 Ilvriss thought of Shriekde and nodded slowly.

 You have an extraordinary ss, Miss Xesci. I suppose Ivee back to talk more. Processyesterday.

 Im sorry, again. And I will be more honest.

 She nodded at him. He adjusted his seat; he felt like the bed was trying to swallow him rear-first.

 About your ability. You said you can mimic people within two feet of your height. And you saw Periss in me. Can yousee more faces?

 The woman hesitated. She nced at the door and then Ilvriss.

 Wall Lord, normally I assure you that nothing said or done here is leaked. No watch-spells, no peep holes. And I keep my mouth shut. Can I ask you to do the same?

 He inclined his head. She waited.

 Yes.

 Xesci exhaled. She ran a w through her neck spines again.

 The trouble with being a loudmouth isargh. Fine. I me Retas poor impulse-control. Yes, I see other faces. If I look at you? I can see old mes. Not your mother. Or your sister. I know you have them; I cant tell. Its aboutinterest.

 Ah.

 Sexual. I note who youve at least had sexual encounters with, or even desire

 Yes, thank you.

 Just making sure you can tell.

 Ilvriss folded his arms, feeling defensive.

 Its just impulse, though.

 Of course. Thats very revealingand disturbing, sometimes. But I dont see much wrong with you. That Drake is like a beacon, but theres also other Drakes. First loves; childhood crushes dont really count.

 All Drake?

 Two Gnolls.

 Really? Who?

 Erclose to ck fur, a spot on the shoulder

 Ilvriss turned red under his scales. He knew exactly who that was. Xesci watched with a slight smile. She tried to cover it, but then

 Will you tell me? If Ive told you this

 He struggled, but she had been honest. Atst, Ilvriss hung his head.

 I was a young man, and she was one of the staff in our employ. Always getting on my case about tracking mud in. I must have beenneen

 He hadnt even realized how attracted he was until she brought it up and the older Drake recalled the younger ones viewpoint. Sheughed.

 Its always like that. And people ask for me to check.

 He took a deep breath.

 Youll forgive me if I say thats strange. Notwrongbut strange.

 She nodded.

 That is fair. Two Gnolls, then.

 He knew the other one. Hed been curious. Ilvriss sat back.

 And anyone else?

 One Human. But thats another odd case.

 Her eyes flicked to his. He kept his face straight.

 I see.

 If you want?

 No.

 The Drake wondered how urate her Skill was. Or whether it wasit wasnt like that. But he supposed it was.

 He sat there for a while. But then he came to the real reason hede.

 Miss Xesci. Can you take on otherforms? Besides female, I mean. Can you be a male Drake? If you chose to?

 She froze. The [Courtesan] carefully eyed Ilvriss.

 If you are asking if I couldor haveWall Lord, I would have to decline toment.

 He nced at the door at the same time as she did. This feltwrong to discuss.

 I am not interested in any details, Miss Xesci. I am just asking if it is possible.

 She folded her arms. Which was an answer enough for him. He nodded.

 Let us change the subject, then. I wanted to know becauseare there people you cant sense anything from?

 The [Courtesan] hesitated. She narrowed her eyes, trying to figure out where he was going. But no offense to her co-workerbut the Drake didnt seem as cunning as the knitting-Drake had been.

 Ihave met people like that. Odd ones. They love no one and nothing. From time to timeI dont use this on everyone, you understand. But I met an adventurer like that. He only wanted me to be the most beautiful person I could be. Then the next. And there have beenothers. Why do you ask?

 Because, Miss Xesci, I need your help. The Wall Lord smiled thinly.

 Curiosity, Miss Xesci. Thank you. Would you describe the Human? Before I go. Just

 She did. He listened. Then he left, paying her fee in full. The Wall Lord stood outside for a while.

 A wedding ring.

 Idiot.

 -

 Im sorry, Ilvriss. But its not a good time right now. That damned seditious [Painter] and their lies. Have you heard?

 Not at all, Wall Lord Rellmel. But let me assure you, I can pay whatever fee we can agree on. Up front.

 The Wall Lords eyes flickered, but he was shaking his head, even during the sit-down meeting with Ilvriss, Wall Lord to Wall Lord.

 I really cant be selling artifacts, Ilvriss. Im tempted, as a favor between fellow Wall Lords, butmy sister would throw ten kinds of fits. Im sorry.

 Ilvriss sighed.

 What would it take for Gisha?

 Honestly, Ilvriss? Too much to imagine. Shes paranoid about needing it. Well, its a Potion ofyou know.

 Rellmel looked around the tall restaurant in one of the highest points of the towers. He patted at his mouth then fetched a toothpick.

 And shes not in the mood. All the nder about usdo you have any idea who this Sellme is? We cant even get it taken down. Were putting a bounty outtheyve gone too far.

 Ilvriss wondered if the [Painter] would be alright. They had a decent Skill that had kept everyone but him away. He sighed.

 Thank you, then, Rellmel. Are you sure? One million. By the end of the week. In your vaults.

 The Drake gulped. He stayed there a long time as Ilvriss leaned on the table. Then he shook his head.

 Ancestors, but no. Im sorry, Ilvriss. You know, we should go drinking. You have to tell about Liscor. Should I buy somend there? I hear?

 But Ilvriss was gone.

 -

 He nearly forgot his appointment with Shriekde in the evening. Ilvriss had some personal [Messages] that had been screened by Alrric or someone in thepany; everyone wanted to talk to a Wall Lord, obviously, and few people did.

 Wasnt sure. Alrric.

 An appended note to one of the notes. Ilvriss walked into the Gemscale residence and his part of it, looking around.

 Shriekde?

 He talked to the Gnoll with ck fur and a white spot on her shoulder de. The [Head of Household] grinned at him.

 No, Wall Lord. Were you expecting her?

 Ilvriss jerked his eyes away from the white patch of fur.

 Not at all, Miss Yern. Erthat isI suppose she declined toe.

 He sighed. Temperamental adventurers. He was rethinking his contract with her. After allhe wasnt moving on any huge engagement yet. Finding Azkerashs minions was harder than it seemed. Maybe hed terminate it at the end of the month.

 Ilvriss was sorting through the [Messages]. Some were interesting.

 Regarding your searchrepresentative of Wall Lord Dragial of Fissival? Interesting. Regretfully decline

 He was reaching for the one Alrric hadnt been sure about when he entered his personal chambers. He swung the door closed, nced upand dropped the letter.

 Shriekde was in his bedroom. The adventurer had slipped in undetected, worrying, but she did have the keystone that passed her through his security enchantments.

 That was about all she was wearing. She was naked.

 Adventurer Shriekde reporting, Wall Lord. What would you like me to do?

 Her voice had regained some of the tness of how she was when she was using mind-altering substances. Halfway between her true personality and this. Ilvriss stared at her.

 What are you doing?

 Reporting.

 She looked at him, with a half-clouded look of annoyance. She gestured at the bed.

 Shall we?

 What dno. That is not why I invited you here!

 She blinked at him.

 You told me toe here this night. Youre telling me you had other ns?

 He swung around.

 Yes. I wanted you to show me your swordsmanshipwhat is wrong with you? Put on your clothes, now!

 The Drake heard silence from behind him. Then a shuffling sound. He didnt look around. After a moments hesitation, he strode to the door, opened it, and stormed out.

 Wall Lord?

 Shriekde is present. Get mea drink. Something stiff.

 With alcohol?

 Yes.

 Hed told the staff not to give him anything. But Ilvrisshe found himself sitting as a cup of Firebreath Whiskey was handed to him. He stared at the liquid in the ss, tilted his head up

 Paused.

 He was feeling the same as when hed copsed in the mines. A sense ofof frustration. Everything not turning out how it had to. That idiotic adventurer. If people had begun to gossip, his reputation

 At first he was angry. He looked at the drink in the cup. Hed promised. But damn it, it was one drink. He just wished it were different.

 A bit of faerie flower in the cup

 The liquid stopped against his pressed lips. He felt like a ghost was holding them closed.

 It was so easy to believe Xescis lies. Not the one shed told him, but her changing form. To believe for a moment and let yourselfbe. Even if they were gone. Even if it had never happened.

 He felt a hand on his shoulder. Was it a w or Human fingers? He tried to listen.

 Shriekde. What would she have said if hed rted that event to her, while sitting at a table? She would have said

 Wall Lord

 No. Wait. She would never have said that. What would she have said? Have done?

 He did not know her. But he tried to be like Xesci.

 Ilvriss stared at his w as it carefully set down the tumbler.

 Erin Solstice carefully tugged away the ss of the bad juice from Wall Lord Ilvriss. She put it on the tablepushed it to the edgethen turned to face him. She put her hands on her hips. And then

 The Drake saw the same w rise. And

 -

 Yern was telling the other Drake staff to shut up.

 No one will be bbing about that Drake in his quarters. He stormed outnothing happened, no? And if one of you lies, I know it will be one of you and I will dangle you out of the tower by your tails.

 Chastened, they nodded. Yern sighed. Then she heard a sound.

 Smack.

 She nced back into the sitting room.

 Wall Lord?

 He was lying half sprawled out of his chair. He rubbed at his cheek.

 That will be all, Miss Yern. I slipped.

 She stared at him and nodded slowly. The loss of Miss Perris had really taken a toll.

 Now he was punching himself?

 -

 Okay, maybe too much channeling Erin Solstice. Ilvriss rubbed at his face. And he wasnt sure if she would have done that.

 But nowthinking of herhe regretted what hed snapped at Shriekde.

 What is wrong with you?

 What was wrong with the people whod employed her? He slowly stood up.

 Miss Shriekde. Are you decent?

 No.

 He took a chance and opened the doors. She was hiding in a corner, facing the wall, curled up onto her knees.

 I guess Im wrong again.

 Iapologize, Miss Shriekde. For what I said earlier.

 She half-nced at him.

 What was that?

 Ishouldnt have insulted you. Nor was I aware other employers of yours had acted sowrongly. Criminally, perhaps.

 They paid me. I do anything.

 Yes. You should not.

 I just want money. Ill leave now.

 She stood to go. Ilvriss hesitated.

 Adventurer Shriekde. I called you here to ask if you were willing torece Master Zelir. Or at least test me without breaking my arm and show me what a real ambush or battle would be like.

 She looked at him. Either the Calming Tonic was wearing off, or the moment had snapped her out of her former state. She spoke, incredulously.

 You want me to hit you? With swords, knives, needles?

 Notfatally. But I need to improve. So, if you were willing to

 I would get to hit my employer?

 Without doing permanent damage.

 He stressed that. Shriekde nodded.

 But Id get to hit you?

 Under controlled situations

 Wow.

 She stared at him. Then she nodded. Ilvriss felt like hed made a mistake already. But he stopped her as they began to leave.

 Adventurer ShriekdeMiss Tessa. That incident in the bedroom. I do mean what I said. You should not have been put in that situation, yourwillingness aside. Nor do I think, in light of that, it is wise for you to rely on those potions.

 She looked at him.

 Im a better adventurer when I take them. I follow orders. I dont like doing this when Im not on them.

 Even so. Would you consider refraining from taking them unless needed?

 The Drake stared at Ilvriss. She actually walked around him, peering at him. Eventually, she nodded.

 Youre strange. Alright. When we spar, I cant hurt you permanently. But I can hit you.

 I think I will specify ways we might fight. For instance, bare-ws. Or you could simte arapier.

 I can use that.

 Captain Shieldscale may want to learn, if one can learn.

 He was going to find out how hed fare against a real high-level opponent without artifacts or backup. Ilvriss stomach began to hurt. He hoped hed level. Shriekdes eyes flickered.

 I can hit her too?

 Under controlled

 Got it, got it. Can I bite?

 What?

 -

 The next morning, Ilvrissy in bed as the sun rose.

 He was.physicallyhealed. But his ego and body had taken a beating. He shuddered.

 You could dislocate someones arm and that was not permanent damage if an expert did it to you. Allegedly.

 Was there a point to it? He was already trying to rationalize why another sparring session was a bad idea. But the problem wasShriekde was an expert.

 You have a gaphere.

 Then she kicked him in the groin. He curled up at the memory. Shed spotted a weakness in his guard. One that maybe Zelir had spotted or pointed out. Either way?

 Ilvriss would never make the same mistake after Shriekde pointed it out.

 And yet, she seemed almost happy. How did he know?

 You not getting up?

 No. Please close the door.

 The Named Adventurer was having breakfast in his residence. Ilvrissy there.

 Never again. Its just self-getion. I dont need to do it.

 He muttered to himself. The hard partthe difficult part was

 Hed damn well leveled upst night. The Drake moaned internally. It was probably mending ties with his uncle, or progressing his understanding of Xescis ss. Levels were cumtive effort over time! You couldnt attribute it to the final day of

 The door opened.

 I get to spar with you tonight?

 Yes. Captain Shieldscale first.

 Awesome.

 He hid under the nkets as the door closed again. He was at least d that someone was happy. What would Erin say?

 Shed beughing too hard to talk about now. But he thought she would also have approved, even if she hadnt worded it this way. Shriekdehe felt for the Named Adventurer. She was not Xesci, who, despite everything, seemed in control of herself.

 Ilvriss was wondering if he could justify wearing armoror at least, a codpiecewhen he noticed something on his bedroom floor. He must have forgotten it after Shriekde dumped him in his home and he crawled into bed.

 The [Message]. Ilvriss slowly exited the bed, feeling phantom pain with every step. He crawled on the floor to the [Message], picked it up, and read it. It was all so

 -

 Shriekde felt good today. It was such a rare feeling when she hadnt recently been to the Healer of Tenbault she kept expecting it to go away. She had an appetite and everything, even if the Gnoll serving her kept ring at her.

 She got to punch her employer, and he hadnt even told her to sleep with him. This was a good job. And that annoying blue Drake. She was looking forwards to that, even if the day was going to be dead b

 Ilvriss kicked the door to his bedroom open and strode out.

 Shriekde! With me!

 The Named Adventurer was already on her feet. Ilvriss was striding across the room.

 Wall Lord? Is everything alright? Breakfast

 Send it to thepany headquarters!

 He was already halfway down the stairs and storming for the door. The [Message] was in his ws. It was a simple one. A request for aid, like many sent to him. But this one had not been sent to Ilvriss. It was one of the [Messages] Alrric had dutifully copied that were sent to the city of Liscor. Public notices.

 -

 This one was from the Horns of Hammerad. Ilvriss was in his office as a blinking Alrric found hed been beaten to work.

 Wall Lord?

 The Vige of the Dead. What do you know about it, Alrric?

 The [Administrator] had to look it up over tea. He had all kinds of encyclopedias and almanacs. It was Shriekde who answered, visible, and uncharacteristically talkative.

 DesignationNamed-rank threat. Death zone. Uncleared. Passive. Undead-type threat.

 Those are adventurer terms. Exin it.

 Ilvriss snapped. Shriekde shrugged.

 It means only a Named-rank Adventurer should even go near it. Death zone means that its a ce where you die if you go. LikeRhir. And uncleared means no ones found out what lies inside. Passive means it isnt expanding. Like Creler nests. Undead-type means

 I have it, Wall Lord. A Human vige to the north. A known threat. It appeared, well, thousands of years ago and has never been erased or destroyed.

 Thats not like the Humans.

 Alrric nodded. He wonderedno, it had to be the [Message] hed copied over. But he didnt see why Ilvriss was galvanized. The pieces were there. He tried to recall it. It was a bit lengthy, but the key parts might have been

 

 may have something that can be traded or help her. We, the Horns of Hammerad, intend to assault the Vige of Death in two weeks time. We are calling in every team associated with The Wandering Inn to join us if possible. To any adventurer, we are offering full shares after a first pick of any item andpensation at market value if not. We know its dangerous. Come anyways, for the [Innkeeper] of Liscor.

 There have been attempts. The Five Families sent armies into the Vige of Death.

 And?

 The Wall Lord looked up. Alrric frowned at the book, closed it abruptly. He shook his head.

 The Vige grew. The armies retreated after being overwhelmed by the undead, who seemed to regenerate even from nearplete destruction, or pushed into the vige and were lost to observers. With more bodieslost, the viges radius expanded. The area was attempted by Named-rank adventurers. Two. One a team, one a solo member. The team fell back. The solo adventurer was presumed lost. The area was dered a death zone.

 And a Gold-rank team is going in there? Crazy. Sounds like fun. If they paid me, Id go. How much are they offering?

 Ilvriss showed Shriekde the [Message]. The Drake nced at the missive, looking for a number.

 Compensation? For that? Pass.

 What would it take for you to join in the fighting?

 Alrric and Shriekde did a double-take.

 Me?

 The Named Adventurer thought. Then she smiled.

 Ill fight until they retreat for two hundred.

 Two hundred gold?

 Thousand.

 Alrric choked on his morning tea. Ilvriss frowned.

 Thats exorbitant, even for you, Shriekde.

 Its a death zone.

 She shrugged. But she looked excited at the idea. Ilvriss drummed his ws on the table.

 The problem is the destination. If you could get to Liscor, you can jump to Invrisil. But this isAncestors damn it. Three days old. Youd barely make it to Pass, let alone Invrisil. Id have to clear you for Pegasus-flight direct if Oteslia even acknowledges it.

 Im banned.

 The Wall Lord closed his eyes.

 Of course you are. Fine, then. I dont know if youd even make it on time. Alrricsend a [Message] to Ceria Springwalker. Ask her if she will dy the assault. Meanwhileget me

 He was writing furiously. Alrric nodded for an assistant to take over as he went to clean the tea from his fur. Shriekde pointed.

 I know those names. Some of them. Gold-ranks.

 Yes. These are adventurers to contact. Tell them I have a job offer for them in regards to the Horns of Hammerads [Message]get me a [Mage], as well as [Message] scrolls. Ill have the contents in ten minutes. And I need a list of teams in Invrisil or the region. Inquire, will you?

 Yes, Wall Lord.

 The Drake took the list and rushed off. Ilvriss sat forwards. He began to write a [Message]. It was short, brief, and the first one he sent to Keldrass of the mewardens.

 He would have sent one to Bevussa, but she was on contract. Ilvriss went down the list. FirstGold-ranks. He received a flurry of [Messages] and replied briefly. Then he went to Silver.

 Keldrass of the mewardens. I would like you to participate in the Horns of Hammerads request for a joint-assault on the Vige of Death. I am prepared to offer your teampensation for joining in the effort, regardless of sess or failure. Pending your agreement with the Adventurers Guild, I will transfer twenty thousand gold pieces into your ount at the Merchants Guild.

 Alrric stared at the [Message] hed just read out. He shook his head. Then he began authorizing payments from Ilvriss personal ount. The Wall Lord was spending money on this assault. Shriekde was waiting on a response from the Horns of Hammerad

 And Ilvriss couldnt sit still. Saliss of Lights wasnt in Pass and besides, he was out of his arsenal. Other big Named Adventurers in the areas refusedto leave their posts, to go north, or just because they were engaged.

 Crowdcaller Merdon and Elia Arcsinger had already declined, and some were in contract to the Five Families for instance.

 But he could hire teams from Pass, Liscor, Invrisilhe stopped pacing.

 And here is your bill, Wall Lord. Ive taken it from your ount.

 Hm. Thank you, Alrric.

 Ilvriss nced at the figure. It was more than what Shriekde would charge, although it would double again if she agreed and could make it.

 It did not matter. He thought of that inn. Thisthis was something.

 Something. The feeling in his veins felt likesatisfaction. Progress. Ilvriss turned.

 Alrric, is Nerul unupied?

 I can check.

 Id like to meet him now. After thatI need Captain Shieldscale. I am going to visit The Drakes Pearl shortly after that.

 The Gnoll hesitated. One did not normally announce thatst bit in a loud voice. But the Wall Lord didnt seem to care that half his staff in the office had recognized the name and were staring at him sidelong.

 Is everything alright, Ilvriss?

 The Drake came to a stop. He looked at Alrric.

 No. But I intend to set it right. Time to take risks. Throw frying pans.

 Isthat an expression?

 Ilvriss didnt bother replying. He walked into his office.

 Shriekde. I have a mission for you.

 Besides going to that Vige of Death? What do you want?

 He told her. She blinked.

 Really? That sounds like fun. What do I do? Kill?

 No, find. I want it done before I leave The Drakes Pearl. That will be

 How long does it take? Ten minutes? Five? Two?

 Ilvriss ignored that.

 Lets call it evening. Seed by then and youll have a bonus.

 Really? Ill find them.

 She vanished.

 Nerul was next, and Captain Shieldscale. Ilvriss stood up.

 Nephew, whats this about? Your Gnoll said it was urgent. I have a hangover, though. Started any wars? Disputes you want me to end?

 The portly Drake looked reproachful. Ilvriss stood up.

 Uncle, I have a request. I want you to help me and I am prepared topensate you. Its a personal favor, not a Gemscale family one.

 Really?

 The Drake blinked. Ilvriss told him what he wanted. The Drake inhaled.

 Thats a two-year project if ever I heard of one. But I can do it in my off-time.

 No. Its a today-project.

 The [Diplomat] stopped in his tracks.

 You must be joking. Nothis isnt ying around, Ilvriss. Its unfriendly. It could lead to conflict. Have you cleared this with Zail?

 No, and I dont intend to. I want it done. I am the acting head of the Gemscale family. And you can name your price.

 Nerul licked his lips.

 Well. I have to admit, it would be the kind of thing that I like doing now and then. And its a leveling opportunity. Hm. Hmmits not any scales off my tail, Ilvriss. Are you sure?

 He met his uncles gaze.

 Yes.

 The [Diplomat] sighed, rubbed at the back of his neck and his neck-spines, and nodded.

 There was too much conviction there for my liking. It must be needed. Very well. I can do it tonight. It is going to be unpleasant and you are going to have to let me do all the talking first, understand? No going out of line or it fails. Let me gather a group. I need down payments

 Alrric.

 Very well. Ill set it up. What has gotten into you today, Ilvriss?

 The Wall Lord stood there, adjusting his clothing, which hed donned in a hurry. He knew this would damage Gemscales reputation. Much less what he was going to do. He didnt care.

 I have to hurry, Uncle. Im tired of sitting around.

 He looked at the Drake. Nerul nodded.

 Fair enough.

 -

 Xesci was engaged when Wall Lord Ilvriss stormed into The Drakes Pearl for the third day.

 He must be obsessed. He wants to see you right now.

 The [Manager] told Xesci when she had emerged. The Drake frowned.

 Not with me in the way youre thinking. I wonder what he wants.

 This time, she was wearing a shorter Gnolls body. A sweetheart. And she was certainly smiling, if bewildered, as Ilvriss walked into the room.

 Wall Lord. How can I help you?

 He sat down abruptly. The air around him had changed. Before, when they had first met, he had been reluctant, even tired. Nowhe was almost unable to sit still. He met her gaze.

 Miss Xesci. When we first spoke, you mentioned that one of your dreams was to return to the north in time, perhaps after having saved up enough. Was that true or an exaggeration?

 She blinked.

 Iit wasnt untruthful. Id like to retire. Wouldnt we all? I dont know where Id settle, but yes, I would at least visit.

 I see. And do you enjoy your job or would you retire if you had the choice?

 She rested her chin on her hands.

 You mean, would I continue working here? Wall Lordits a job. Sometimes its enjoyable, sometimes not. But its not a passion. Especially if youre the only expert in the room.

 The woman grinned at him, inviting him to share the joke. He did not.

 In that case, Miss Xesci, I have a proposition for you. I would like to hire you to work for me in an unusual capacity. Not as a [Courtesan], but as anagent. I cannot go into details here, but I would be prepared to offer you enough gold to retire on after your work ispleted. A yeartwo at most.

 She stared at him. Then she rubbed at one ear.

 What?

 The Wall Lord repeated himself. The woman stared.

 What could I possibly offeris this an exceptionally personal matter, Wall Lord?

 Shed heard of contracts like this. She wasnt opposed, but Ilvriss denied it again.

 I am not asking you tobed me. I wont rule it out, but I dont think its necessary. And it will never be me. I am not willing to go into details. Only that I would like to know if you would ept the request.

 Wall Lord, Im working in the best brothel in all of Szsar. I dont know how much you think I earn, but

 Four hundred thousand gold pieces for one year.

 She nearly fell out of bed. Ershe slowly looked at him.

 You are serious.

 Yes I am. One year. A formal, magical contract.

 Wall Lord Ilvriss waited as she thought, blinking. Thiswas a lot, even for him. He couldnt just throw money around.

 No, wait. Yes he could.

 Ilvriss had one power, and it was making money. But it wasnt a power unless you used it, and the Wall Lord was dumping gold like it was going out of style. He could afford this.

 I have to know what its about.

 Then I will meet you at this location in the Gemscale Spiretomorrow. I may be busy today, Miss Xesci. Here is the exact floorpleasee alone. You are obviously assured of your safety, but I can swear on a truth stone now if you would like. However, this is a confidential affair for my family and I, and I cannot risk speaking of it here.

 She nodded. He could only imagine what intrigues she was thinking ofbut the sum persuaded her.

 I may refuse, Wall Lord?

 Of course.

 But he hoped she would not. And he felt as though the truth wasenough. Ilvriss stood up, and walked out of the room. Xesci stared after his back.

 What did he need her for? To seduce some Human [Lord]? Uncover an infidelity plot in the Walled Families?

 What she didnt realize was that it wasnt just her.

 -

 Ilvriss wanted talent. Talent was hard to get. But there were individuals in this city who exceeded all the others.

 The best. Literally. Not second-best, but indisputable masters. And there was one in every city.

 Saliss of Lights, for instance, a name people knew in a city of millions.

 But there was the thing. Even if you knew them, even if they were your friends, it was hard to get them to do something for you. You would either have to be a charismatic, charming [Innkeeper] with the ability to create miracles and who befriended such people to help her as the need arose

 Or you were a Wall Lord of Szsar who would drown you in gold pieces. Someone with the kind of power and willingness to expend parts of what hed hoarded for his entire life in one moment.

 The famous artist known as Sellme ran through the streets of Szsar, pushing past people. Disaster!

 They were running for the gates. One of the walls to the city. Anywhere. Their tenure in Szsar was done. Theyd made a name for themselves and had finally begun really stabbing the Walled Families where it hurttheir ego and ws.

 However, the City of Gems had gone on the offensive too fast. Way too fast. And it was a bit of bad luck, but really, it was also the fact that a Named Adventurer had been deployed to end Sellme.

 Shriekde the killer. She was after Sellme, and not only did she have the advantage of all her contacts in the city, Ilvriss had given her a useful piece of advice.

 Youre looking for a Drake.

 Hed even seen Sellmes tail color. But the reason Sellme had been found was really Ilvriss knowing how the elusive [Painter] did their work. Shriekde had gone hunting for streets where Skills were keeping people away and found the [Painter] doing one of their piecesanothermpoon against Rellmels ongoing treatment of [Miners].

 That way!

 The Drakes head turned. The fearsome Named Adventurer had slowed in the crowd, but more bodies were charging after them. An azure Drake with clearly-dyed scales to the [Painter]s eyes was leading dozens of Drakes in Gemscale family colors.

 Erchirite Spears! On the business of a Wall Lord of Szsar! Clear a path!

 A voice bellowed. The [Painter] sprinted leftthen tried to slow, turn around. They yanked their hood down. In the crowd, theyd be lost. Drakes and Gnolls looked around, irritated or confused. But the [Painter] smiled, shook their heads. Blended in.

 Theyd lost some of the good paints! Damnbut they had to run. This city was too hot. They just needed to slip the

 Wall Lord Ilvriss of Szsar strode down the street with a hundred of the Erchirite Spears. People stared at the disy of force as the group blocked one end of the street. The [Painter] froze.

 I am Wall Lord Ilvriss! Please remain calmwe are looking for an individual hiding among you! Captain Shieldscale, the [Appraisal] Skills. Shriekde

 There, there, there, there! Those four cant be read.

 The [Painter]s blood ran cold. The Named Adventurer was looking at them, materializing on a balcony. They had used the anti-Appraisal ring against them!

 Its that one! The painter! With the white scales!

 She pointed at them.

 Sellme ran.

 -

 Peoples heads turned as Ilvriss and half of Gemscales family guard and his hired forces thundered after the [Painter], blockading the street. He saw a white, scaled face, a Drakewith colored scales, yellow and green speckled in. Unusual pattern.

 The painter? Sellme? Theyre going after

 The crowd reacted to Shriekdes loud voice. They turned, saw the fleeing figure, and came to the obvious conclusion.

 Theyre silencing Sellme! Stop them! Thats Shriekde!

 They began pushing at the Erchirite Spears and Gemscale [Guards]. Ilvriss cursed.

 We are not arresting that [Painter]! I just want toShriekde, apprehend, do not harm!

 But thats not what Im good at

 Go!

 She leapt after the Drake. Ilvriss saw Osthia slowed by the crowd, who turned their wrath on the Drakes.

 No violence! Im going after them! [Haste]!

 He twisted a ring and blurred past the people.

 Oh yes. A Wall Lord had resources. He cursed Shriekdes methods, though. Hed told her to identify the Drake, not grab! But shed wanted a bigger bonus so shed tried to get Sellme before Osthia and Ilvriss arrived.

 Shed misunderstood what he wanted to do. But the fact that Sellme had actually evaded the Named Adventurer, even if she wasnt allowed to harm, was impressive.

 In truth, the reason Ilvriss had wanted Sellme had more to do with wanting to know what they could do rather than what he had an idea for. Unlike Xesci, they were an unknown quantity.

 But they were high-level. And there was always a use for

 Ilvriss caught up to Shriekde, whod cornered Sellme against an alleyway.

 Stay back! Im a citizen of the Walled Cities! Youre not allowed to kill me!

 A surprisingly young voice shouted. Male. Ilvriss saw a frightened Drake as Shriekde advanced, tensed.

 Im not going to kill you. Im not allowed to. But I will break your legs if you do that again! You got paint in my eyes!

 She hissed. Ilvriss skidded to a halt.

 Shriekde, enough. SellmeI want to talk. I am Wall Lord Ilvriss

 I wont be silenced! Szsar is corrupt!

 The [Painter] drew forthIlvriss tensed, but it was a brush. Coated in paint. They turned their back to him and he motioned.

 You stay back. Stop them if they run, but no harming them. I wanted to talk!

 Oh. Youre not breaking their legs and handing them over to Lord Rellmel? But you said to that [Diplomat]

 That was an unrted issue! Painter Sellme

 Ilvriss saw a flicker. He turned just in time to see the younger [Painter] leap into the doorway at the end of the alleyway and scramble down the street. He started. Shriekde blinked. They charged after the Drake as one, cursing. Ilvriss was so confused.

 That hadnt been

 Wham. They ran into the painted doorway as Shriekde hit the brick wall and then Ilvriss collided with her. It was so realistic that neither one had realized that the Drake had drawn it while they were arguing!

 What

 Ilvriss stared up at the paint now on his face and armor. Shriekde cursed.

 He did it again! He threw paint at me the first timeI ran into it in the air! Its a [Magical Painter] or something!

 Extraordinary.

 Ilvriss stared at the doorway. Hed broken the paintit had been showing the street beyond. He stood up as Osthia, battered, with the contents of a chamber pot on her armor, skidded into the alleyway.

 Wall Lord. Did you get

 They escaped. They can paint doors, Captain. After them! I need their talents.

 Ilvriss got to his feet. Shriekde was already running, mad as hell.

 But Sellme was gone. They were out of the city before Shriekde found the hole in the wall of Szsar, an artfully drawn ramp that had carried them to safety.

 -

 Wall Lord Rellmel was celebrating the disappearance of the acimed [Painter], Sellme, with his sister, Wall Lady Grisa. That was the ruling elites mood; the city was sullen.

 People med Wall Lord Ilvriss for the incident on the streets, and rumors were already flying that he had deployed no less than Shriekde to silence Sellme before his secrets could be leaked.

 What that was, was unclear. Rellmel had a different opinion.

 I bet you he wanted to get Sellme to sweeten the deal, Grisa. He really wanted the Potion of you-know-what.

 His sister nced around the restaurant, one of the fanciest in all of Szsar, with amanding view. Rellmel hated being here. It was too expensive, but she always wanted to take her boyfriend here. And she was always interfering with thepany that was his job to run.

 Case in point. A million gold pieces? They could live off that alone forfour years! Three! But she refused. She was paranoid about safety; her Amulet of Protection glinted conspicuously as she glowered at him, waiting for the handsome Drake to get back from the bathroomher date.

 Absolutely not. Thats our heirloom. A millions too low! If he went ten million, Id think about it.

 No one can afford that for one potion, Grisa.

 Fetohep of Khelt, might.

 She tossed her head. His jaw dropped.

 You want to sell to a skeleton?

 Business is business.

 But Ilvriss went after Sellme

 Maybe it was because hispany has problems. If he caught Sellmeso what?

 The pictures of us

 Theyre gone, so we dont owe Ilvriss anything, Rellmel. Now, I want a happy dinner. Understand?

 He folded his arms as his sister glowered. The Wall Lord was discontent, but he felt like trying his luck at the bar now that Sellme was gone and his reputation would be cleared. Thisunpleasantness with the [Miners] would be forgotten, and business was booming even without.

 Wall Lord Ilvriss.

 Hm?

 Rellmel looked up from studying the menu. Grisa was already ordering. She looked around as Rellmels personal bodyguard, a Gnoll, urgently whispered to him.

 Lord Rellmel, Wall Lord Ilvriss is approaching the restaurant! Were moving to intercept, but he has caught the Emera family off-guard! We have to evacuate you now!

 For a second, the Drake didnt even understand what he was hearing.

 Evacuate me? Ilvriss? Here? What are you talking

 Grisa was on her feet. Rellmel saw an Emera-family hire, old Vidam, arrive, panting, clutching at his side. And two more he recognized, both Drakes.

 All with the same ss. The bodyguard was speaking urgently, trying to get Rellmel to understand.

 We thought it was a possibility butLord Nerul returned yesterday and he was seen hiring a full negotiation squad. He is <eming, Wall Lord

 Rellmels eyes widened as Grisa shot out of her chair past her date.

 Ancestors! Rellmel! Hes gone mad! Hes going to force a negotiation! We have to go

 The Wall Lord was struggling out of his seat as the three top [Diplomats] and [Emissaries] of House Emera moved towards them. The [Bodyguard] and the other members of the staff present closed ranks as they looked for an exit. But it was toote.

 -

 The doors to The Ancestors View were already open, so Nerul had them closed so he could kick them open. It was about style.

 Also, shock value. The [Diplomat] strode into the restaurant as people got to their feet. And with him, he had a team of hit-Drakes.

 The most dangerous, the most deadly infighters in all of Szsar were at his back. Each one dangerous alone. With Nerul? House Emera had seen trouble the instant three of them gathered in one ce.

 Mister Grerre, a contract scroll in hand, more bundled in his arms. Weressna The Sealer, hobbling along on her cane. Mister Superior, the only Gnoll of the bunch, almost as overweight as Nerul.

 The most dangerous posse, yes.

 Not in a fistfight, although Nerul was surprisingly good at fighting and he knew Weressna had a sword-cane, but in their chosen field.

 They were [Negotiators]. [Diplomats]. [Contract Sealers].

 The ss of soft power. The people you sent instead of swords or arrows to use words instead.

 Peopleugheduntil they saw what high-level experts with dedicated Skills did.

 They didntugh in Szsar. This was a raid. This was an assault, and as close to war between the Walled Families as it got.

 House Gemscale greets House Emera! Excuse me, Wall Lord Rellmel, Wall Lady Grisa, but wed like toe to the table regarding an item for sale.

 Nerul bellowed into the silence. He saw the two noble Drakes, trying to get out the back door. The [Bodyguard] tried to block the group of six [Negotiators], but he was useless. He had an enchanted axe, a shield that could have stopped a Grand Elephant on the charge.

 The [Diplomat] raised a w as the Gnoll drew his axe.

 Not one step further or I strike!

 [Peacekeepers Pass]. Sorry, young man. But youre not going to stop us.

 The [Diplomat] walked past the Gnoll [Bodyguard]. He saw the Gnoll move to strikewith the butt of the axe

 And his arm didnt move. The group walked past him and the other guards. They had the Skills that [Ladies] had learned, but yet to master. The abilities that [Innkeepers], [Kings], even [Strategists] and [Generals] gotbut they were all of their ss.

 So long as I do no harm, you cannot harm me. Nerul focused on his real opponents. There were three of them.

 Old Vidam. Nerul cracked his knuckles and winced.

 Ow.

 Out the doorshurry

 The [Silvertongue Emissary] was trying to force the Drakes down the steps. Nerul smiled.

 Not so fast. Wall Lord Rellmel, we have a negotiation to get to and I insist you [Come to the Table].

 The Wall Lord froze, his hand on the doorknob. He tried to fightbut he wasnt Ilvriss. He began to pivot when Vidam blocked Neruls way.

 [Request Denied]. Lord Rellmel has said his piece and no Skills or uwful persuasion will force him otherwise!

 The Drake woman tsked. Weressna shook her head as Videl freed Rellmel.

 Ohe on, Vidam. [Think About It].

 [Exit Negotiations]!

 One of the younger Drakes from the Emera family barked. Nerul raised his brows. No style, no substance. And it was three versus six.

 The Drake with scrolls moved at Neruls nod.

 [Lets Make a Deal]. We have vast funds, Lord and Lady of the Walls. You havent heard all of what House Gemscale and Lord Ilvriss have to offer.

 [Clear Minds]! Thats not a valid offer. Wall Lord Rellmel has refused the offers on the table!

 Lets [Sweeten the Deal], then.

 Nerul crooned. Vidam was already sweating. He was trying to deny the multiple Skills attacking his clients, but he was outnumbered and outyed. One of the Drakes croaked.

 [Future Negotiation]. Wewe will do this

 We will do this now.

 The [Diplomat] broke the Skill in half without even needing to waste his own. The weaker [Negotiator] reeled. Nerul turned to Vidam.

 I was always the better [Diplomat]. Im afraid this is going to turn into a sit-down, Vidam. Bring whoever you want. But youre going to lose.

 He turned, wiped the sweat from his brow, and pointed.

 Lets see. That table will do nicely. Lets clear the restaurant. Wheres the manager? Well need food, scrolls

 Provided for.

 And Ive talked to the manager.

 Mister Superior emerged from the back room and nodded to Nerul. The Drake grinned. He nodded to the Drake and group hed told to wait at the doorway. Ilvriss entered the room as the two members of House Emera sat, furious, but helpless, at the negotiation table.

 Nerul sat. Oh, they made fun of him. The ck sheep of House Gemscale. The white Gnoll, in other pances. [Diplomat]. What a useless ss. What could it do that a [Lord], a [Warrior] could not?

 Well, he could pry a potion out of the hands of even the most stubborn Drakes. And all without drawing a weapon. He grinned, cracked his fingers again, winced, and got down to work.

 -

 Ilvriss recalled that Erin Solstice had once been furious when Xif the [Alchemist] had forced her to sell one of her faerie flowers. He didnt recall if he had been there for that, or just heard the news from keeping tabs on Liscor.

 Well, Xif had one Skill in Neruls field. Nerul had many. And what Xif could do to an [Innkeeper]? A [Negotiator] lived to do this.

 Some of them. The negotiation-raid was a known tactic in Szsar, who relied on contracts andpanies. It beat bloodshed, but it was not employed normally.

 It was to aggression what kicking down the door with a group of [Thugs] was. And even if you got what you wanted

 There will be consequences! We wont let this lie!

 Grisa hissed at him. The turn of phrase made Ilvriss pause, but he just shook his head.

 Maybe so, Wall Lady. But I insist.

 And we are right to believe your number is above eight hundred thousand, but below one million. Lets call it nine hundred thousand gold pieces, hm?

 My clientis not willingto sell a value-less item for that much.

 The old Drake, Vidam, was fighting Nerul and the five top-level [Negotiators] with a squad of seven. Theyd actually waited for the others to arrive, but Nerul had called on his best friendsincluding the legendary Mister Superior.

 Alrric was sitting next to Ilvriss, as a representative of hispany. Vidam was sweating, but Nerul was merciless.

 Nine hundred thousand gold pieces. In your vaults tomorrow. What do you say, Wall Lord Rellmel? You have to know we cant just walk off. And thatsnine hundred thousand gold pieces now. Rather than someday. [Think About It].

 They had used dozens of Skills with ovepping effects. [Everything Has a Price], [See it My Way], [Sweeter Deal]

 Do we have confirmation this is a genuine Potion of Regeneration? Excuse me, Id like a [Fact Check] here.

 Mister Superior was taking on two Drakes at another table. They gulped and Grisa blurted out before anyone could stop her.

 Of course we have one! Its only one third full, but

 Ilvriss stirred. Vidam snapped his w and Grisas mouth shut, but it was toote. Nerul stirred.

 I think that just kicked down the value tothree hundred thousand gold pieces. And you know that even if youve stored it properly, a third isnt enough, Wall Lord. Were talking damaged goods, here. You want to sit on that? Or a nicethree hundred thousand? You could live like a [King] for an entire year on that. You and your sister. And this all can end.

 Rellmel was sweating. It was also the pressure that got to you at this table. Ilvriss had known hard Drakes, who lived and died fighting.

 Even so. There was something unnerving about someone who refused to blink, or stop staring at you. Yes, you could try to win the staring contest.

 You would lose. Weressna was blowing smoke into a younger Drakes face; the [Mediator] actually had tears in her eyes.

 Nerul was ying nice. Some of his cohort were just staring down the lesser [Negotiators] and winning the battle of wills.

 As he said, sometimes he spent three months sweet-talking, sometimes he strode in with fire and thunder.

 There would be consequences. And Ilvriss, at that moment, as he saw Rellmels mouth open and Grisa whirl, decided to step in. Nerul had said not to, but it was time.

 Fivesix hundred thousand.

 Nerul nced up. He shot Ilvriss a warning look and poked him with his tail.

 Ilvriss, I can get

 I know, Uncle. But I want to at least try to make thisless painful. Six hundred thousand for a third-full Potion of Regeneration. Well, Rellmel?

 He looked across the table. Vidam rose, swaying.

 [A Moment of R]

 Weressna tapped her cane on the ground and stopped his Skill with hers silently. Rellmel gasped.

 Yes. Fine! Damn the potion!

 Ilvriss exhaled. He saw Nerul nod, and Vidam copsed on the table, ashen-grey. His people surged around him. Grisa stared at Ilvriss as the Drake with contracts unfurled the scroll. He had just written the number in magical ink.

 And we are ready to sign. Wall Lord?

 He offered it to Ilvriss, then Rellmel. The Drake wrote with a shaking w as Ilvriss sighed. Alrric exhaled.

 It will be sent tonight. I have the sum prepared.

 It was done. Grisa never looked away from Ilvriss as Nerul and the other [Negotiators] rose to raid the bar, already congratting each other.

 You have made a terrible mistake.

 Perhaps so, Lady Grisa. But I need it.

 For what? Youre not hurt. UnlessZail? Helessia?

 He met her gaze without replying. He rose, as Rellmel sat back, white under his scales. Wall Lord Ilvriss stepped back, and spoke to Alrric.

 Cover the costs of this for the restaurant. My deepest apologies. The food usedtips for the staff. All generous. And my Uncle and his friends drink whatever they want tonight. On me.

 Thats a mighty tab, Ilvriss.

 The Gnoll murmured. Ilvriss nodded.

 Less than what I spent on the potion.

 True. And what do I do with that?

 Ilvriss straightened. He felt light. He left Grisa behind, ignoring her threats. He walked with Alrric.

 Send word to Lyte in Liscor. To the Horns of Hammerad. Tell them to wait. And tell themI have what they want.

 It would cost him. It had cost him. But if it was just paymenthe was Wall Lord Ilvriss.

 Hed settle the bill.

 -

 He had done what he could for Erin Solstice. The Potion of Regeneration was away within the hour, with a full escort. Not Shriekdeshe was with him, but happy since shed thrashed both him and Captain Shieldscale and gotten to cause chaos and watch it unfold.

 The Horns might not even need to dare a death zone. Ilvriss hoped it would do what was needed.

 But it was the Necromancer who remained. He stood, with Captain Shieldscale, no, Osthia ckwing, in front of Xesci.

 [Detect Life] is the easiest check. But you can fool even [Detect Lies] or [Detect Truth]. If you are a high-enough level [Mage]. Isnt that so?

 Yes. Ancestors and dead fucking gods, but I could do that. But this?

 The magical artifact draped over Xescis head changed colors with her mood, with the truth. A more advanced crown that revealed aplexity of meaning. Ilvriss hoped it was enough to tell whether a person was real, or a puppet.

 You are not an agent of any power, or controlled by an influence besides your own, Xesci. Is that true?

 He had asked a dozen times, a dozen different ways.

 No.

 Ilvriss and Osthia studied the lights. She pointed to one.

 Theres something here.

 The [Courtesan] shivered. Shriekde twitched. Ilvriss held his breath. Theyd tested Shriekde, Osthia, himself, and thest of the members in this room of five. The five who would form the heart of this operation. If any of them owed allegiance to someone elsethey were dead.

 Shriekde had been the biggest gamble, really. But Nerul had told Ilvriss he could stop her from attacking long enough to raise the rm.

 It was ingenious. Send a [Diplomat] at an [Assassin] and you could actually stall even her. For a time.

 I.have ties to the Sisters of Chell, I suppose? No one else.

 Ilvriss watched the colors light up. Truth. A slight hesitation

 No one else besides individuals or friends, yes?

 Yes.

 Truth, more urately reflected.

 I think shes good, Wall Lord.

 Osthia exhaled. Ilvriss nodded atst and the [Courtesan of Change] sagged. He helped her remove the diadem.

 Thats it then.

 The portly Drake stood. Nerul. He looked sick.

 Azkerash lives. And hes got agents

 Named Adventurers. Regrika ckpaw was one. Anyone could be under his sway. We dont know his forces. We dont know his preparations. What I do know is that hes alive and he killed Zel Shivertail. And Periss.

 The room was silent. Shriekde scratched at one earhole.

 Huh. Am I supposed to know this?

 He looked at her, then Xesci. The Drake woman nodded and licked her lips.

 Why are you telling us?

 The Wall Lord slowly walked around the room. He met everyones eyes, Osthia, Nerul, Shriekdeno, Tessa, and Xesci.

 Because we have a duty to stop him. And right nowthere are five people in this world we can be sure of that arent his agents. He is, possibly, a Level 70 [Necromancer]. Possibly Level 80.

 Ancestors.

 Nerul muttered. Ilvriss nodded.

 Only Zel Shivertail and an army of the Antinium attacking together beat him. And the Goblin King. Beyond that? He has destroyed Terandrian kingdoms. And I believe he has grown stronger since then. He is our enemy. And right now, we are all that can be trusted.

 There was Ryoka Griffin. There had been Erinand others. But they could have been subverted. Reced. Ilvriss felt his scales crawling.

 You are all Drakes. Members of the Walled Cities. Of Izril. I believe you all have a talent and the will to fight back. So.

 He sat back, tired, but feeling the tingle in his veins.

 Lets hunt the Necromancer. We have my resources. We have an army in training. And we have leads. Now I can actually rely on people

 He nodded at Nerul, who could actually organize things with authority.

 I can begin pursuing some of the ones outside of Szsar.

 Such as?

 The [Diplomat]s eyes were sharp. Shriekde tilted her head back and forth. Xesci was just staring around, slightly overwhelmed.

 Magnolia Reinhart once said something that made me think she knew he was alive. Either she is aware and opposing himor she is concealing the information but hinting at itor

 Ilvriss trailed off.

 She was his. Nerul muttered.

 Ah. So youre on the move?

 How so?

 Osthia looked nk. Ilvriss nced at her, and Nerul borated.

 Magnolia Reinhart is going to Oteslia. It seems only fitting that if you were going to approach her in confidence to find out one way or the other, youd go there. Its an event, which is even more cover. Isnt that so, nephWall Lord?

 He looked at Ilvriss. The Drake nodded.

 We may have an allyif an untrustworthy onewith sources of information. I wont rule out Human help, or any species or nation. But we have to know, and avoid tipping our hand. Thats why Xesci is here. Nerul helps us reach out, gives us cover and excuses. Xesci can identify themor so I hope. Either way, she can act as a perfect [Spy].

 What if she iswrong? What will you do then?

 The [Courtesan] licked her lips. Ilvriss met her gaze. Then his head slowly turned. Shriekde had been fiddling with a knife. Then she blinked at him and grinned.

 Thats why Shriekde ising too. To Oteslia.

 He made his ns. And the potion went to Erin Solstice.

 Hope in a bottle.

 After Chapter Notes: There were some parts I didnt get to write! s! But a big chapter!

 Too big? I could have split it, but the action was near the end. So it goes. Im back off my break and hope you enjoyed! Now I am much tired and will soon rest.

 But heres your poll chapter. Heres Ilvriss. Was it what you expected? Is it what you wanted? Do you have regrets? The Aba-bets for this month are null and void!

 But we might get chapters anyways. Just the ones I think fit. I hope you enjoyed and well see whates next. Thanks for reading and remember[Diplomats] are scary. Or something. Night!

 The Horns of Hammerad by /cmarguel

 

 Facestealer or Headsnatcher by /enuryn

17kNovel

Book 8: Chapter 5: I